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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:  Amy Susan (573) 751-1518
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 21, 2010

MCHR Offers Free ‘Fair Housing’ Lunch & Learn Events

Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) presents housing industry professionals in Missouri’s Bootheel two free opportunities for education about fair housing practices under state and federal laws. Lunch & Learn: Fair Housing Education is designed specifically for those working in the industry, including bankers, builders, landlords, lenders, property managers, and realtors, and is offered on two dates:

Sikeston: Tuesday, July 13
11:30 a.m., Registration and meal service followed by educational program
Best Western Coach House Inn & Suites, 220 S. Interstate Drive

Kennett: Thursday, July 15
11:30 a.m., Registration and meal service followed by educational program
Grecian Steakhouse, 1108 S. Bypass

Programming includes information about anti-discrimination laws, predatory lending, redlining, construction and design requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and new housing industry trends such as visitability. Seating is limited to 20 persons each session. Reservations can be secured by calling 573-522-1031 or e-mailing mchrtraining@labor.mo.gov by Wednesday, July 7. All event locations are ADA accessible. Additional reasonable accommodations will be provided with advance notice.

These industry events are part of a year-long Missouri public awareness campaign, the Show-Me Fair Housing Awareness Project, to educate the 150,000 citizens in Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Scott, and Stoddard counties about their rights and obligations under fair housing laws. The project is made possible through an Education and Outreach Initiative grant awarded to the MCHR by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The MCHR is an independent commission housed in the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. It is responsible for enforcing the Missouri Human Rights Act which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), disability and age (in employment only), and familial status (in housing only). For more information about your rights, the MCHR complaint process, or free public informational sessions, visit www.labor.mo.gov/MOHumanRights or call 573-751-3325.

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