Presidents of the United States go on record to promote fair housing
On the 57th anniversary of MLK’s assassination, which inspired the Fair Housing Act, here is a look at what each commander in chief has since said about housing discrimination.
Today is not just the fourth day of Fair Housing Month, but April 4, 2025 marks the 57th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Exactly one week after this tragic event, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the landmark Fair Housing Act into law, banning housing discrimination on the federal level based on race, color, religion, and national origin, later expanded to include sex, disability, and familial status.
Since the law’s enactment, presidents from both parties have issued official proclamations declaring April as Fair Housing Month or made other statements reaffirming America’s commitment to core principles of equity and dignity. These powerful words across all administrations since the Fair Housing Act’s inception serve as reflections of our collective dedication toward its aims.
Here are notable quotes from presidential proclamations and remarks over the past 57 years:
President Lyndon B. Johnson (1968):
“It proclaims that fair housing for all—all human beings who live in this country—is now a part of the American way of life.”President Richard Nixon (1971):
“The history of racial discrimination in housing in America runs deep; but, to the Nation’s credit, so do efforts to correct it.”President Gerald Ford (1975):
“The principles of fair housing cannot be brought out and dusted off one month each year. These principles must be taught, advanced, and supported each and every day of the year.”President Jimmy Carter (1979):
“The freedoms that we believe in, enjoy and benefit from cannot be secure unless they are shared by all Americans. As long as equal opportunity is denied to one person, the promise of equality for all will be unfulfilled.”President Ronald Reagan (1986):
“Fairness is the foundation of our way of life and reflects the best of our traditional American values. Invidious discriminatory housing practices are abhorrent to the American sense of fair play.”President George H.W. Bush (1991):
“We Americans cherish the many blessings that we enjoy in this land of freedom and opportunity—including our ability to decide where we live and work. During much of our Nation’s history, however, that prerogative has frequently been denied to persons with disabilities.”President Bill Clinton (1998):
“By limiting housing choice, discrimination reduces the quality of life for many Americans. During the past three decades, we have made great strides in opening housing markets. But housing discrimination, although less apparent than in years past, still exists, and the need to enforce fair housing laws vigorously remains as urgent today as ever.”President George W. Bush (2008):
“Our Nation has come a long way, yet our journey to justice is not complete... we acknowledge our responsibility to ensure that all Americans enjoy the opportunities that this great land of liberty offers.”President Barack Obama (2015):
“It’s our job as citizens to make sure we keep pushing this country we love toward our most cherished ideals—that all of us are created equal, and all of us deserve an equal shot… Almost 50 years ago, Republicans and Democrats in Congress came together to pass the Fair Housing Act. And it made a difference in this country.”President Donald Trump (2018):
“Over the last 50 years, our Nation has made great strides toward ensuring Americans have access to fair and affordable housing free from discrimination.”President Joe Biden (2021):
“The purpose of the Fair Housing Act was to put an end to inequities in our housing system and eliminate racial segregation in American neighborhoods.”
These statements from the nation’s chief executives remind us that fair housing is a right to be cherished as well as an ongoing responsibility. The United States commemorates the Fair Housing Act each year in April, and we reflect both on our progress and the work that remains to achieve fair housing and equal opportunity.
Although Fair Housing Month always begins on April Fool’s Day, housing discrimination is no joke. In fact, with fair housing currently under siege, it’s time to take it even more seriously. Stay tuned for a special Fair Housing Meter announcement later this month.