Diversity and Equality
The mind science experts at the Perception Institute(link is external) present an online workshop to help members avoid implicit bias(link is external) in their daily business interactions. Drawing upon the latest evidence-based research(link is external), Perception explains how our brains’ automatic, instant association of stereotypes with particular groups can cause us to treat those who are different from us unfairly, despite our best intentions and often without our conscious awareness. Perception then applies these concepts to the everyday work of REALTORS®, and offers strategies to override bias in order to convey respect, ensure fairness, and improve business relationships.
Want to go deeper? Take the Implicit Bias test(link is external), and watch for future offerings from Perception and NAR.
As racial tensions mount across the country, reports of racist and hateful remarks being made on social media have pressed on brokerages and REALTOR® associations. Firms and associations looked to the National Association of REALTORS® for guidance on what to do if they have to field complaints about comments deemed inappropriate.
“While each comment must be evaluated individually in order to determine the appropriate course of action, we have offered the following guidance to those who’ve asked for it,” Katie Johnson, NAR’s general counsel, posted on the association’s Hub channel.
The guidelines include the following for those who receive hate speech on their association or firm’s communication channels.
Removing offensive posts. If an inappropriate comment was made on an association or firm’s social media channel, they can remove it. “NAR does not tolerate hate speech on our social media or other channels. Such messages are removed,” Johnson wrote. “We urge all associations, members, and companies to do the same in their channels.” That includes posts that are shared and originally posted by others that contain quotes or attached images that contain hate speech. Any post that threatens violence should be referred to authorities. Real Estate Leaders Speak Out Against Racism
Consider ethical violations. A REALTOR® could be subject to disciplinary action under NAR’s Code of Ethics if the offense relates to real estate activities and transactions, including within the agent’s marketing or while they’ve offered real estate services. Code of Ethics complaints can be filed with the local association where the REALTOR® holds membership.
Alert the member’s principal broker. REALTOR® associations can report any offensive remarks to the REALTOR®'s broker. Brokers may want to take separate action to limit harm to their business.
Educate. NAR is urging REALTOR® associations to consider revising their new-member orientations and other mandatory education courses to focus on the delivery of equal services. NAR recently published an implicit bias training video as part of its Accountability, Culture Change, and Training (ACT) initiative that relates to education on fair housing and antidiscrimination.
Diversity Training
For REALTORS®, Agents, and Brokers
At Home with Diversity® Certification
NAR's At Home with Diversity® certification is a 6-8 hour course that focuses on teaching those involved in daily real estate transactions how to best work with and serve diverse consumers. Learning how to transact business in culturally competent ways makes good business sense. Participation earns credit toward the CIPS, CRS and PMN designations as well as fair housing continuing education and the NAR At Home with Diversity® certification.