Q: Closed Community Discrimination
I live in a Age 55+ gated community governed by an HOA. Our community appears to be discriminating against people of color. There are no African-American's working for community management, none on the HOA board and to my knowledge, none are included on committee's or community clubs. In casual conversation, some residents have made overt racist remarks. When I made a respectful public inquiry about these things, some in the community have now initiated a "cancel culture" type effort. What do you suggest?
A:
Discrimination in any form is not acceptable and it's important to take action to address it. Here are a few suggestions:
File a complaint with the HOA: Start by filing a complaint with the HOA about the lack of diversity and racist remarks you've heard. Make sure to provide specific examples and ask for a response.
Seek legal advice: Consider speaking with an attorney who specializes in discrimination law. They can advise you on your legal rights and options.
Contact fair housing organizations: You can reach out to organizations such as the Fair Housing Council of Northern California, which works to prevent discrimination in housing.
Document everything: Keep a record of any incidents of discrimination, including dates, times, and witnesses. This information can be useful if you need to take legal action.
Get support from allies: It's important to have a support network during this time. Reach out to friends, family, or community members who are allies in your fight against discrimination.
Remember, taking action against discrimination can be difficult, but it's important to stand up for what is right.
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