“It is difficult to abide the dismantlement of civil rights protections in the Fair Housing Act that I see occurring.”

Dear America,

Growing up my parents taught me the value of service. My dad used to say that I was born on home base because I had already hit a home run because of the privilege that I was born into. He would then say that so many aren't even on first base; they're still on the bench or maybe not even on the team. My dad used this analogy to teach me that we need to help others whenever we can. This lesson has influenced many of my decisions, most importantly my career.

When I graduated law school, I only applied for public service positions. After applying to …. I was offered a position at HUD. I was ecstatic accepting that position.

While in the office of Fair Housing I had the opportunity to learn from managers who helped draft the very same fair housing laws we were enforcing. I worked with attorneys who had years and years of experience in court advocating for tenants exercising their fair housing rights. Every colleague that I worked with demonstrated the same commitment to service and upholding fair housing laws.

Now, years later, this administration involuntarily transferred me to another office that does not have the same mission-oriented goals that once fueled me. As much as well-meaning colleagues in my new office cling to the remaining work that needs to be done, it is difficult to abide the dismantlement of civil rights protections in the Fair Housing Act that I see occurring.

Housing isn't just the difference between living in a 'nice' house or a 'cool' neighborhood; it impacts so much of a person's life including access to better schools and safety. Our office prevented unwarranted evictions, helped voucher holders access well-resourced neighborhoods, and ensured victims of domestic violence were granted emergency transfers when needed. Without an active office of fair housing at HUD, too many of these cases won't be answered.

—A civil servant