Attorney General Jay Jones Honors the History of Fair Housing Month
April marks the observation of Fair Housing Month

RICHMOND, Va – As National Fair Housing Month begins, Attorney General Jay Jones recognizes the history and efforts of civil rights leaders in the passage of the landmark Fair Housing Act, on April 11, 1968.

This federal law prohibits discrimination in all aspects of housing based on race, sex, religion, national origin, family status, disability, and other protected characteristics.

“Passage of the Fair Housing Act occurred at a time when our communities were fraught with blatant discrimination. The voices and dreams of hardworking Americans were ignored.” said Attorney General Jay Jones. “In a divisive, explosive time in our country’s history, Black communities and their allies did not back down in their fight for equality. Today, Virginians still see the chasms in access to resources, investment, and community assets left behind by these inequitable systems. The responsibility to continue this fight and guard these protections is one that my office is proud to accept.”

“As we mark the 54th anniversary of the Virginia Fair Housing Law, we’re reminded that housing provides the foundation for our families, communities, and futures," Virginia Fair Housing Director Liz Hayes said. “This April, we celebrate the progress we’ve made with the Office of the Attorney General to enforce the law and reaffirm our commitment to fair, equitable housing opportunities for all in Virginia.”

The federal Fair Housing Act was passed in the wake of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Spurred by the evils of segregation and King’s vision for a just America, activists and citizens fought for the passage of these protections.

In 1972, four years after the passage of the Fair Housing Act, the Commonwealth of Virginia passed the Virginia Fair Housing Law to build on federal protections. In partnership with the Virginia Fair Housing Office and other state and local partners, the Office of Civil Rights within the Attorney General’s Office helps protect these crucial housing rights across the Commonwealth and ensures that these hard-earned laws translate to housing justice for all. If you have a question or discrimination to report, begin by contacting the contact the Virginia Fair Housing Office.

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