Which statement describes the relationship between race discrimination and housing law?

• A. It is illegal under the Civil Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act
• B. It is legal in some private sales
• C. It is allowed if the seller is a minority
• D. It applies only to government housing

Answer: (A)

Discrimination in housing based on race is illegal under federal law. The Civil Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act prohibit treating people differently in the sale, rental, financing, advertising, or brokerage of housing because of race. These laws apply to both private and public housing contexts and protect race along with other protected classes. So the correct understanding is that race discrimination in housing is illegal under these acts.

Discriminatory practices aren’t allowed in private sales, aren’t justified by the seller’s race, and aren’t limited to government housing—the laws cover a broad range of housing-related activities across the market.