Realtors at the center of a recent Newsday investigation into discriminatory practices on Long Island are under review by the local association for potential violations of the fair housing provision of the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics.

The Long Island Board of Realtors (LIBOR) confirmed to Inman this week that its board of directors has charged its grievance committee with conducting an investigation into the alleged fair housing violations.

“Yesterday’s vote is the latest in a series of steps LIBOR leaders have taken in recent weeks to ensure the association is upholding its commitment to fair housing,” a spokesperson for the association said in a statement. “In addition to reviewing the circumstances documented in the Newsday story, LIBOR recently launched an audit of its fair housing training to enhance delivery of instruction. LIBOR is also engaged in conversations with community fair housing groups and other stakeholders.”

Agents at the center of the report were accused of steering undercover investigators to neighborhoods that matched their own race or ethnicity and often subjected minority investigators to more restrictive conditions prior to viewing properties.

LIBOR is now reviewing whether or not the agents in the videos — at least one of whom appears to be seen wearing a Realtor pin in the video — violated the code of ethics.

“Realtors shall not print, display or circulate any statement or advertisement with respect to selling or renting of a property that indicates any preference, limitations or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity,” the NAR Code of Ethics reads.

NAR President Vince Malta told Inman in a statement, that the association was deeply troubled to review the results of the investigation, which it says does not reflect the ethical commitment made by 1.4 million Realtors.

“Housing discrimination of any kind cannot be tolerated, and I’m proud to be working with [Senator Jim Gaughran] on this important legislation that will give New York State another tool to help root out this egregious behavior,” Pierre said, on Twitter.

The agents at the center of the investigation, as well as their responses to the videos, were compiled by Newsday here.

Email Patrick Kearns

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