WHEREAS,
April, 2007, recognizes the 39th anniversary of the
passage of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, better known as
the Fair Housing Act, which states there shall be no discrimination in
the acquisition, ownership, possession, or enjoyment of housing; and
WHEREAS,
Both housing agencies and providers continue to
collaborate for the purpose of sharing knowledge and resources to avert
any decay of housing rights. The State of Nebraska and its
citizens flourish when the housing community works together for the
common good; and
WHEREAS,
Full compliance with housing laws means there will be
social and economic impact on even the youngest of our residents.
Nebraskans must work together to fulfill the mission of providing
affordable, safe and decent housing absent an animus of
discrimination. Of housing discrimination, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther
King said, "Let us never succumb to the temptation of believing
that legislation and judicial decrees play minor roles in solving this
problem. Morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be
regulated;" and
WHEREAS,
The State of Nebraska acknowledges the efforts of the
Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission, the
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the City of
Omaha Human Rights and Relations Department, the City of Lincoln
Commission of Human Rights, the Nebraska REALTORS© Association, the
Family Housing Advisory Services’ Fair Housing Center of Nebraska,
the High Plains Community Development Corporation, Inc.and other groups to eliminate
discrimination in housing in Nebraska.
NOW, THEREFORE,
I, Dave Heineman, Governor of the State of Nebraska, DO
HEREBY PROCLAIM the month of April 2007, as
FAIR HOUSING MONTH
in Nebraska and I do hereby urge all citizens to take due note of
the observance by continuing our efforts to eliminate housing
discrimination in our communities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and
cause the Great Seal of the State of Nebraska to be affixed this
Fourteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord Two Thousand Seven.
Dave Heineman
Governor
Attest:
John A. Gale
Secretary of State
