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DISCRIMINATION
IS LIKE A
PEST
– IT’S EVERYWHERE!
By
Jan Bergemann
Published
February 1, 2013
The
comments from many blog readers – posted on the website or
e-mailed to me directly – showed that discrimination is widely
spread. Many people are discriminated against, not only for the
color of their skin or their religion. From being handicapped to
sexual preferences, there is a long list of options for
discrimination – and it happens daily!
But
while in daily life normally the guilty party pays the price for
discriminating against other people, in community associations
the whole neighborhood pays the price for their board members
being unable to keep their mouth shut.
Considering
the fact that the media is permanently reporting about
discrimination cases ending with a big settlement for the
person(s) discriminated against, it seems obvious that certain
board members are just unable to rein in their tongue!
We
have seen board members using slur words at public meetings –
with the cameras rolling – that proved the bias – and a
violation of Fair Housing laws -- without a doubt. Believe me --
attorneys just love it since it creates a big pay-day for their
clients and themselves.
It
seems that especially in hearings regarding the approval of new
buyers or renters some board members don’t care what they are
saying. From “wetback” to “gook” to “faggot” ---
court records are showing that board members are not afraid to
express their bias against certain folks.
What
these board members obviously don’t consider is the fact that
they maybe buying the folks they are discriminating against a
new, mortgage-free home – in a different community –
courtesy of the neighbors of these board members.
Discrimination
is widely spread – and despite all the anti-discrimination
laws very common in daily life. But does that mean it should
have a place in community association living?
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