Texas REALTORS® is committed to ensuring that our work environment is professional and respectful for all members and employees.
Many people think the real estate industry is all about homes and land and buildings. But we all know that, at its core, this is a people business. Good relationships are the foundation of our work with clients and colleagues. With the recent allegations of harassment at the National Association of REALTORS®, it brings to the forefront the importance of making certain that no member of our community—member or staff—feels marginalized or threatened. While it is not my role to comment on behalf of NAR, I want to take this opportunity as chairman of Texas REALTORS® to discuss this important subject from the perspective of our state association.
Texas REALTORS® is committed to ensuring that our work environment is professional and respectful for all members and employees, regardless of gender, race, or sexuality. Our officers, members of our Executive Board, and all who serve on committees agree to abide by policies that cover several areas, including general conduct and anti-harassment. We all acknowledge these documents each year. Each policy clearly states that failure to abide by the policies may result in grounds for removal from the volunteer position. Members who attend our conferences also agree when registering to be held accountable to a code of conduct during the event.
Anti-harassment, anti-discrimination, and anti-retaliation policies also apply to association staff, and all employees are required to take annual training in this area. Ongoing training is important not only to clearly communicate the standards for appropriate behavior but also to let staff know what steps to take if they experience or witness inappropriate behavior by another employee, volunteer leader, or member.
I understand that policies and training—though important—are not enough on their own. Thorough, impartial application of the policies is critical when claims of harassment or improper conduct arise. I also recognize that Texas REALTORS® cannot monitor or control the behavior of the thousands of volunteer leaders, staff, and members who interact with one another. But I can tell you this: The association takes every complaint seriously.
If you experience or witness harassment or other improper behavior in our state association, I encourage you to report it. The association has a harassment complaint form on our website that outlines the steps and information required for a formal complaint. If you don’t have ready access to the form, you can contact the association’s CEO or general counsel to start the process.
If you are uncomfortable with making a formal, written complaint, I encourage you to follow the rule of see something, say something. Talk to me or any member of your Leadership Team. Tell your regional vice president or a Texas REALTORS® staff member. Our association is committed to providing a safe space for all members.
For Texas REALTORS® to continue to be the best association we can be, we must support and empower all members, volunteer leaders, and staff. The first step to ensuring that environment is to approach every relationship—every encounter—with the respect and professionalism that we all seek and deserve.