April 11th, 2002 is the 34th anniversary of landmark legislation - Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, known as the Fair Housing Act. The Fair Housing Act and important amendments over the years have a simple premise: no one should be denied the opportunity to rent or buy a home because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, family status, or disability. Equal opportunity is the American way, and that's why we celebrate April as Fair Housing Month.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development enforces the Fair Housing Act and its amendments, and President Bush told us to enforce the Nation's fair housing laws aggressively. When I arrived at HUD in January 2001, the percentage of fair housing complaints unresolved within the 100 days prescribed by law was 85 percent. Today, we have reduced the backlog of cases to 60 percent. The Bush Administration also has made combating predatory lending an important new priority within the Nation's fair housing programs. Reports continue to show that abusive lenders frequently target racial minorities, the elderly, and women for mortgage loans with abusive terms and conditions.

HUD plays a historic role in implementing the Fair Housing Act, but we also actively encourage states, counties and cities to enact equivalent laws. Assuring equal housing opportunity requires the commitment of many public and private partners, and the Department encourages training, self-testing, public education and outreach to underserved groups and communities. This year alone, HUD also will award more than $45 million in grants to fund private groups and public agencies fighting housing discrimination - an increase of almost $4 million over last year.

While a law can define a crime and determine a penalty, we will only eliminate discrimination in housing when all Americans practice understanding, tolerance and mutual respect. The very fabric of our nation is the rich diversity of our people, and I ask everyone to demonstrate the true strength of America by committing themselves to the spirit on which this nation was founded. The theme for Fair Housing Month 2002 is "Celebrating diversity, ensuring equal opportunity," but President Bush and I encourage every American to recognize and support the simple premise of the Fair Housing Act not just this month, but every day of the year.

From state capitals to rural communities, the 2002 Days of Remembrance are being commemorated this week all across the nation. At noon today, HUD and other Federal agencies are cosponsoring a special Washington, D.C. program in remembrance of the more than eleven million victims of the Holocaust. HUD staff and others in the Washington D.C. area are invited to attend.