Over 100 people learned about the latest updates on fair housing at the recent state-sponsored 2017 Arizona Fair Housing Symposium in Phoenix.

The daylong event explored relevant discrimination issues and featuring several expert speakers.

Panelists included attorney, justice advocates, housing professionals and government agency spokespeople, along with other constituents. Speakers emphasized the significance of education and tolerance, as well as stringent oversight of housing regulation compliance, according to Arizona Realtors, a Fair Housing Partnership member and forum co-sponsor.

Topics included domestic violence prevention, gender discrimination and potentially unfair eviction practices. Additionally, professionals discussed housing matters for those with previous criminal records such as “Ban the Box” policy reform.

Representatives attended from ACLU of Arizona; Community Legal Services; William E. Morris Institute for Justice; ATLaS Justice Center; Hull, Holliday & Holliday PLC;  HOM Inc.; Arizona Department of Economic Security;  Sojourner Center; and Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. Maricopa Police Chief Steve Stahl also attended the event.

In addition, a member of the National Association of Realtors Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals network, presented LGBTQ housing discrimination statistics.