Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Real Estate Brokerage
The North Carolina Real Estate Commission is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and community.
We understand, and celebrate, the differences that make each of our Consumers, Licensees, Commission members, and
Commission staff unique. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are a top priority for the Commission and we seek to enhance
these principles in real estate brokerage through education, intentional actions, and partnerships.
We seek to lead by example in the cultivation of a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where differences
are embraced, celebrated, and respected; not ostracized.
What is DEI and how can you help foster DEI in real estate brokerage
Diversity, equity, and inclusion is about the intentional creation and fostering of safe environments that promotes
the fair and equal treatment of all people. Where individuals are welcomed, accepted, acknowledged, supported, and
embraced regardless of physical characteristics, abilities or inabilities, identity, beliefs, or status.
The best way you can support diversity, equity, and inclusion in North Carolina real estate brokerage is to work
together to amplify the voices of others, listen and seek understanding instead of judgment, check your biases,
and always operate with respect.
The NC Real Estate Commission’s Commitment to Social Justice
The State of North Carolina has faced many challenges in recent years. While our attention has been focused on the
global pandemic and economic hardships, our state and nation continue to be plagued with social injustices, which in
the past few years have contributed to several instances of social unrest. Although the recent injustices are not
new, or unique, they have reminded many of us of ongoing racial and other inequalities and the need to engage in
healthy discussion and take meaningful action.
The Real Estate Commission members and staff remain deeply troubled and saddened by the senseless violence and the
many inequities that have damaged and taken the lives of so many people from marginalized groups. These events have
caused us to reflect on our own actions and reactions, have shown us the importance of exercising compassion and
empathy, opened a dialogue surrounding racial equity, and challenged us to confront cultural and systemic forces that
bolster racism and discrimination. The Commission welcomes the resulting discussions and change, and to helping to
combat systemic racism and inequalities that plague our community and nation.
The Commission recognizes the diverse community of those involved in real estate brokerage, and is committed to the
principles of excellence, equity, and respect for all people. It is our goal to ensure that brokerage activities are
conducted in fairness to all, to ensure equal housing opportunities, and to end discrimination in the sale or rental
of all real estate.
We stand with those who seek equal justice for all and will do our part to encourage and support our community in
making necessary changes to end racism and the disregard for the dignity of all people. We vow to listen, learn,
and work to promote equality, inclusion, and acceptance.
As part of its commitment to end discriminatory conduct by licensees in the real estate profession and to being a
leader in moving the profession forward, the Commission has:
-
Enacted
rules
directly addressing broker misconduct on the basis of race and other protected classes;
- Participated in racial equity training for all members and staff to better understand unconscious bias, inequality, and institutional and structural forms of racism;
- Revised its Investment Policy to require that a larger portion of Commission funds are deposited in minority-owned depository institutions (MDIs);
-
Included in recent BIC and General Update courses substantial material addressing
racial equity
in real estate transactions,
Fair Housing
, Commission rules, and related topics and scenarios; and
-
Hired a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officer to evaluate, develop, manage, and support the Commission’s diversity and inclusion initiatives
Click here
to download a copy of the North Caroline Real Estate Commission’s Commitment to Social Justice Statement.
NCREC DEI Objectives and Goals
The NCREC is dedicated to advancing the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in real estate brokerage and recognizes that this
can only be accomplished by creating awareness around the issues, providing education, and taking intentional actions. The NCREC aspires
to create an environment that recognizes and values the unique identities and perspectives of all Commission staff, licensees, and consumers;
where differences are respected and not ostracized.
To support this objective the NCREC plans to:
-
Evaluate what’s happening internally to understand how Commission staff feel and their experiences and perspectives with
workplace fairness and inclusion. This will also work to provide benchmark data on the current diversity within the NCREC;
- Develop a DEI plan to help identify opportunities for outreach and engagement with the public and licensees;
- Develop relationships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities and high schools in underserved communities to promote the real estate profession;
- Develop, or update existing, resources to create an awareness around DEI related issues and information; and
- Continually evaluate and develop strategies to new strategies to better engage and serve licensees and the public.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources
