Human rights (human relations) is an issue that we take very seriously in the real estate industry. The federal government and all states have laws and regulations protecting it. Human rights understanding and awareness is part of all state licensing and advanced licensing training, and included as part of state licensing examinations. 
While there are federal regulations that all licensed agents are required to uphold, states usually have additional, more stringent human rights regulations. Federal and state governments have established Human Relations Commissions to administer those regulations, monitor their compliance and to take action against abuses. Fair Housing regulations by HUD (U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development) and additional corresponding regulations within each state further clarify, monitor and enforce equal access by all Americans to housing of their choice.
All of us, as individuals, have convictions, beliefs, ideas, desires and preferences to which we hold. That is normal and part of every human. It's what makes us who we are and effects how we interact with others. In fact it is part of our rights as individuals to be free to hold and express our beliefs and ideas. However, it becomes an issue when these beliefs and ideas are enacted upon by their holder to restrict, threaten or otherwise harm the rights of others to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
As state licensed real estate agents, we are required, under penalty of fine, loss of license and the possibility of further legal action, to uphold human rights and fair housing regulations and to not discriminate nor show any bias toward clients and potential clients who are selling or buying property, whether residential or commercial. We have undergone training and testing to help us recognize and avoid the subtle forms of prejudice involved with treating groups, communities and minorities with a bias in our professional practice. We are committed to doing whatever we can to insure compliance of real estate transactions in which we are involved, to uphold and protect your rights.
In the Delaware Valley, as well as throughout the nation, states have established Human Relations Commissions to protect people and combat discriminatory behavior. Here are resources for you to access if you feel you have experienced discriminatory actions...
Delaware Valley
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) Attorney General (see civil rights section)
"Discrimination, prejudice and bias. Three words that can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. Our purpose is to provide you with answers to questions that you may have about the Commission, our procedures and our role within Pennsylvania: investigating complaints of discrimination and monitoring bias-related crimes and tension within our communities." (Note: If you feel you've been harmed, you must file your complaint within 180 days of the alleged act of harm. Above PHRC link contains requirements and information for filing a complaint.)
Regulations: Housing Accommodations / Commercial Property
New Jersey
New Jersey Division On Civil Rights (DCR) - Civil Rights Commission (of the New Jersey Department of Law and Safety)
New Jersey Fair Housing - the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of:
- race or color
- national origin
- religion
- sex
- familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18)
- handicap (disability)
The Fair Housing Act covers most housing. In some circumstances, the Act exempts owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family housing sold or rented without the use of a broker and housing operated by organizations or private clubs that limit occupancy to members.
Division of Housing (of the Division of Community Affairs) - state information and resouces for affordable, fair and assistance housing.
Fair Housing Information Hotline: 1-800-390-4845
A Message (Letter) from Attorney General Stuart Rabner and Director Vespa-Papaleo to Property Owners:
2006 Letter: English (PDF 122K) Spanish (PDF 126K)
NJ Housing Resource Center (NJHRC) - Affordable housing resources for consumers, property owners and agencies.
Delaware
Delaware Office of Human Relations
"The Office of Human Relations and the State Human Relations Commission promote amicable relationships among the various racial and cultural groups within the State.
In addition to administering Delaware's Equal Accommodations Law and Fair Housing Law, the Commission works to increase public awareness of civil and human rights in Delaware." These Delaware Fair Housing Acts ensure equal housing opportunity and access to all regardless of their race, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, religion and (state only classes: age, marital status and creed).
Directions for filing a fair housing or accomodations discrimination complaint.
National
US Department of Justice - Civil Rights Commission [Fair Housing]
US Department of Justice links to State Civil and Human Rights Commissions - How to contact your state and local agencies
The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice was established in 1957. The Division is the program institution within the federal government responsible for enforcing federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, religion, and national origin. Since its establishment, the Division has grown dramatically both in size and responsibility.
The Division enforces the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1960, 1964, and 1968; the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended through 1992; the Equal Credit Opportunity Act; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the National Voter Registration Act; the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act; the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act; and additional civil rights provisions contained in other laws and regulations. These laws prohibit discrimination in education, employment, credit, housing, public accommodations and facilities, voting, and certain federally funded and conducted programs.
The Division enforces the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act of 1980, which authorizes the Attorney General to seek relief for persons confined in public institutions where conditions exist that deprive residents of their constitutional rights; the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act; the Police Misconduct Provision of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994; and Section 102 of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of national origin and citizenship status as well as document abuse and retaliation under the Immigration and Nationality Act. In addition, the Division prosecutes actions under several criminal civil rights statutes which were designed to preserve personal liberties and safety.
The Division is responsible for coordinating the civil rights enforcement efforts of federal agencies whose programs are covered by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and assists federal agencies in identifying and removing discriminatory provision in their policies and programs. 
The Civil Rights Division does not have regional offices. All Division employees are stationed in Washington, D.C. Nearly all Division attorneys and, occasionally, some non-attorney personnel are required to travel since litigation activities occur in all parts of the United States. (Source: DOJ-CRC-Introduction)
Fair Housing Tip Line
Fair Housing Act Design Manual
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