Events
The Broward County Civil Rights Division offers events for the community to inform Broward County residents about their rights under the law and to provide the knowledge needed to avoid potentially discriminatory practices. The Civil Rights Division partners with community organizations and other County agencies to present Fair Housing Month annually in April and the Human Rights Poster Competition in November. The Division also welcomes opportunities to present or participate in other community events throughout the year.
Broward County Celebrates Fair Housing Month
Broward County will celebrate Fair Housing Month in April to commemorate the passing of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. In honor of this occasion, Broward County Office of Equal Opportunity, Broward County Housing Finance & Community Development Division and HOPE, Inc. Fair Housing Center present the "Fair Housing: One Community, One People" Fair Housing Symposium on Friday, April 17, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Registration for the event begins at 8:15 a.m.
This free event on housing discrimination will feature educational sessions on the latest trends, emerging issues and laws surrounding fair housing in Broward County. The symposium will address housing discrimination from various perspectives through workshops entitled “Keys to Preserving Homeownership” and “Fair Housing for Persons with Disabilities,” and a special afternoon plenary session on the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), a new initiative from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that provides funds to local governments to acquire foreclosed properties.
The symposium will also include a keynote luncheon address by Civil Rights Attorney Matthew Dietz, Esq., of the Law Office of Matthew W. Dietz, P.L. of Miami. Seating for the luncheon is limited to the first 100 registrants.
Broward County residents, homeowner association representatives, housing providers, realtors, social workers and members of community organizations are encouraged to attend. Pre-registration is required and seating is limited. This event includes workshops, continental breakfast and luncheon.
Click HERE to access the flyer and registration form for the symposium. Individuals requiring accommodations in order to participate in this event must notify the Civil Rights Division at the time of registration or at least ten (10) business days prior to the event.
For additional information on housing discrimination, contact the Broward County Civil Rights Division at 954-357-7800 (voice) or 954-357-6181 (TTY). This event is subject to change.
2008 Fair Housing Symposium
Last year, over 100 attendees were enlightened by the words of then Mayor Lois Wexler and keynote speaker Merilyn D. Brown, Esq., during annual fair housing event. Ms. Brown’s message centered on her journey from a victim of housing discrimination to an attorney and fair housing advocate who now helps others in their fight against inequality through her work with HUD and the John Marshall Law School.
Pictures from 2008 Fair Housing Symposium
Photo Gallery
Broward County Fair Human Rights Poster Competition
The Broward County Civil Rights Division partners with the Broward County Fair on the annual Human Rights Poster Competition. Elementary, middle and high school students are encouraged to submit posters representing this year's theme, "Fair Housing." Cash prizes will be awarded to each winner along with Fairbucks (which can be converted into Ride Tickets at the Fair) and Rosette. The winner of the high school division will also receive the Mitchell Spencer Jarvis Memorial Award.
For more information on the Broward County Fair, please visit www.BrowardCountyFair.com or call 954-922-2224.
The Broward County Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) Civil Rights Division is dedicated to protecting individuals from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity/expression as they relate to discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations to ensure rights and opportunities for all in Broward County. The OEO Civil Rights Division provides human rights training and promotes amicable relations among Broward County’s diverse populations.