Offensive Deed Language Targeted
A little-known but highly effective legal group is working on drafting model legislation that would help property owners remove discriminatory, restrictive covenants from their deeds.
One Arrest Can Keep You from Buying a Home
Having a run-in with the law is one of the quickest ways to disqualify yourself from homeownership, and other bites of housing news for your holiday weekend.
Baker Must Be Held to Account
A timely and effective rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations is critical to righting Massachusetts’ economy and enabling the state and its businesses to exit this never-ending state of crisis. And somehow, Charlie Baker bungled it.
Realtors Grapple with New Hate Speech Rules
In an unusual, if not unprecedented, move for a major trade organization, the National Association of Realtors has taken full ownership for any and all discriminatory actions taken over the years by the 1.4 million agents and brokers for which it speaks.
NAR Board OK’s Controversial Hate Speech Policy
The National Association of Realtors’ board of directors voted Friday to approve a new policy that bars members from using “harassing or hate speech” anywhere, at any time.
Greylock CU Joins Movement for Black Financial Equity
Pittsfield-based Greylock Federal Credit Union announced it has joined the African American Credit Union Coalition, and plans to take a steps to strengthen access to financial services for Berkshires residents of color.
Berkshire’s Next CEO Matters
As Berkshire Bank embarks on its second CEO search in less than two years, its board can do a service to Massachusetts by picking a leader who is committed to carrying forward its initial forays into diversity, equity and inclusion.
Employee Lawsuit Alleges Discrimination at People’s United
A lawsuit against People’s United Bank accuses senior executives in the Massachusetts market of a wide range of discriminatory actions, including denying loan deals as a way to damage employees’ performance and affect their compensation.
Deep Roots Underlie Lending Disparities in Massachusetts
The banking industry has a long history of contributing to ongoing racial inequities with its lending policies and practices, but some banks want to reverse this damage.
Industry Can’t Ignore Troubled History
America – and the banking and real estate industry – is waking up to just how deeply racism and white supremacy has been baked into our society. That can only be a good thing.
Education, Awareness Key to Reducing Racism in Real Estate
Discrimination is a concern throughout the nation and...Racism in Real Estate Cannot Stand
Greater Boston’s rental housing industry has a serious racism problem, and it’s going to take effort from industry and government – including Attorney General Maura Healey – to solve.
Realtors Respond to Claims of Widespread Racism in Greater Boston Rental Market
Following a report from Suffolk University Law School that found widespread racism among apartment brokers in Greater Boston, two of the state’s largest real estate agent trade groups are calling for changes.
Black Renters Face Rampant Discrimination in Greater Boston, Study Finds
Black renters in Greater Boston face enormous and widespread hurdles to viewing apartments and finding brokers who will work with them, researchers from Suffolk University Law School and The Analysis Group found.
Leading Black Banking, Construction Execs Help Found Racial Justice Fund
Black executives at a pair of leading Massachusetts community banks and one of its biggest contractors have joined with other corporate leaders of color in Massachusetts to launch a social justice fund to support minority communities.
Rent Control is Racist and Landlords Hate It
If we are serious about solving the housing crisis and systemic racism, we need to stop trying to pass a law that will make both worse.
CRE Must Do More to Ensure Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Now is a pivotal moment in history where society’s attention is finally focused on what we have collectively ignored for far too long – hundreds of years of brutality, racism and inequity throughout the United States of America.
Boston’s Planning Equity Standard Will Set a Better Bar for Projects
With this zoning amendment, Boston will be the first city to use the power of zoning to create economically and racially diverse communities.
Santander to Recognize Juneteenth with Early Closure
Boston-based Santander US will close its offices and branches at noon on Friday to recognize Juneteenth, a national commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States.
Banker & Tradesman’s Editorial Cartoon: Power to the People
