What should a licensee do if a principal requests discrimination?

When a principal requests discrimination, the most appropriate action for a licensee is to withdraw and not work with the owner. This response aligns with ethical standards and legal requirements in the real estate profession. Discrimination in housing transactions is not only unethical, but it is also illegal under federal laws, including the Fair Housing Act, as well as various state laws that prohibit discriminatory practices based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

By choosing to withdraw, the licensee upholds their professional integrity and protects themselves from legal repercussions associated with participating in discriminatory practices. It is crucial for real estate professionals to adhere strictly to laws that promote fairness and equality in housing, and to reject any requests or actions that violate these principles.

While seeking legal counsel could be a prudent step for a licensee who finds themselves in a precarious situation, it does not address the immediate need to distance themselves from unethical behavior. Reporting the request to authorities might come into play in a situation where there is ongoing discriminatory behavior that needs to be formally addressed, but initially, the best course of action would still be to withdraw. Proceeding with the request, even with caution, could lead to complicity in discriminatory practices, which is fundamentally against