December 2009 Coach's Quiz

December 1, 2009

We have given you seven rules on how to avoid religious discrimination claims. Now let's look at how the rules might apply in the real world. Take the COACH's Quiz to see what you have learned.

INSTRUCTIONS: Each of the following questions has only one correct answer. On a separate piece of paper, write down the number of each question, followed by the answer you think is correct—for example, 1)b, 2)a, and so on. The correct answers (with explanations) follow the quiz. Good luck!

We have given you seven rules on how to avoid religious discrimination claims. Now let's look at how the rules might apply in the real world. Take the COACH's Quiz to see what you have learned.

INSTRUCTIONS: Each of the following questions has only one correct answer. On a separate piece of paper, write down the number of each question, followed by the answer you think is correct—for example, 1)b, 2)a, and so on. The correct answers (with explanations) follow the quiz. Good luck!

QUESTION #1

For many years, you have hosted a holiday open house in your common room and invited residents to join in decorating a large Christmas tree, singing Christmas carols, and taking pictures of their children with Santa. Since you've never received any complaints about it, you have no reason to worry about possible fair housing claims from the holiday celebration. True or false?

  1. True.

  2. False.

QUESTION #2

While a leasing agent takes a prospect on a tour of your community, the prospect notices several women wearing head scarves in the parking lot. She says that she is Muslim and asks whether there are many Muslim families at the community. Since she did not express any discriminatory motives in asking, you can't be accused of a fair housing violation for answering the question directly. True or false?

  1. True.

  2. False.

QUESTION #3

You are about to run new advertisements for vacancies in your community, which is close to a landmark church in an historic neighborhood. Which of the following advertisements would not lead to fair housing trouble:

  1. “Located in an historic neighborhood.”

  2. “Close to historic landmarks,” with the symbol of the cross.

  3. “Perfect for churchgoers, just minutes from landmark church.”

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Coach's Answers & Explanations

QUESTION #1

Correct answer: b

Reason: Rules #2 and #5 apply here:

Rule #2: Avoid Appearance of Religious Preference

Rule #5: Aim for Inclusiveness in Holiday Celebrations

The law banning religious discrimination does not prohibit you from celebrating the holidays, but the focus on Christmas traditions could leave the impression that you have a preference for Christian residents over those of other faiths. Even if no one has objected to the activities at your holiday open house, it may be better to emphasize the general festivity of the season, rather than referring to particular holidays or religions. You might consider referring to the tree as a holiday tree and offering secular songs in lieu of religious songs for caroling, but it's unlikely that you will run into problems by continuing to have pictures with Santa. HUD has said that certain symbols, such as Santa Claus, have become so secular that they do not show a religious preference.

QUESTION #2

Correct answer: b

Reason: Rule #3 applies here:

Rule #3: Leave Religion Out of the Application Process

Even though the prospect did not indicate any bias against Muslims in asking the question, an inappropriate response could get you into trouble—especially if the person asking you the question is really a tester. Fair housing experts recommend responding politely that your community policies and fair housing law do not permit you to answer the question.

QUESTION #3

Correct answer: a

Reason: Rules #1 and #2 apply here:

Rule #1: Make Sure Marketing Materials Don't Reflect Religious Preference

Rule #2: Avoid Appearance of Religious Preference

By mentioning only that the community is located in a historic neighborhood, the advertisement does not imply any preference for or against applicants based on their religion.

Wrong answers explained:

  1. Use of the cross symbol, without a disclaimer that your community does not discriminate on the basis of religion and other protected characteristics, suggests that you have a preference for members of the Christian faith.

  2. Fair housing experts advise against emphasizing your community's proximity to a particular church or other house of worship, because it suggests a preference for members of that faith.

See The Lesson For This Quiz

Holiday Celebrations And Religious Discrimination Claims

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