Ethics Resource Group
Amendments to Standard of Practice 10-5 in the REALTOR Code of Ethics were approved in June despite Alliance objections and our most recent LGBTQ+ Real Estate Report showing that housing discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community is on the rise, as real estate professionals are once again the leading culprit of how such discrimination shows itself in the buying and selling process.
The Alliance’s stance has not changed. We believe that a REALTOR is public-facing and generates daily business activity outside of client interactions. Therefore, any act of discrimination, no matter where or when, still violates Article 10 of the REALTOR Code of Ethics.
These violations should still be reported.
To help Alliance members understand and navigate the Code of Ethics violation process, the Alliance has unveiled its Ethics Resource Group. Chaired by Alliance member Mead Summer and Director of Education Alex Cruz, the group will provide counsel to members and, in egregious cases, consult with Alliance leadership to call on local brokerages and/or national brands to take action against the discriminatory REALTOR.
If you have a question or concern about a potential SOP 10.5 and/or Article 10 violation, share the following information to ethicsresource@realestatealliance.org
- Description of discriminatory action
- Why do you think it is a violation of SOP 10-5 and/or Article 10
- Appropriate collateral to support your charge (i.e., flyers, screen grabs, etc.)
A member of the committee will reach out and walk you through their thoughts and proper steps.