Distraction: We’re pro-diversity — we even supported a Democrat in a city council race last year.

Fact: Token endorsements don’t erase systemic blind spots. NAR’s state and national funding must meet the higher bar of Article 10 of the Code of Ethics — not just offer occasional gestures. Systemic racism, sexism, and gender bias must be openly addressed.

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The Comforting Line We Hear

When REALTORS® question why RPAC funds go to candidates who openly oppose diversity, equity, or inclusion, the answer often comes back:
“But we supported a Democrat in that city council race last year. Look, we are pro-diversity.”

This kind of token example is meant to shut down the conversation.

Why That’s Not Enough

• One endorsement ≠ systemic change. Pointing to a single pro-diversity candidate doesn’t undo the damage of funneling millions to anti-diversity politicians at the state and federal level.
• Gestures can’t outweigh patterns. A ribbon-cutting with an affinity group doesn’t erase the fact that RPAC dollars have backed candidates who fight against LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant protections, and gender equality.
• Article 10 sets the bar higher. Our Code of Ethics requires REALTORS® to stand against discrimination in all its forms — not selectively, not occasionally, but consistently.

The Real Cost of Tokenism

Token diversity gestures create a false sense of progress while leaving systemic problems intact. Worse, they gaslight REALTORS® into thinking the Association is “balanced,” when in reality, the scales are still tipped toward candidates whose platforms directly contradict Article 10.

What REALTORS® Deserve

Real diversity work means:

• Funding aligned with ethics, not just party math
• Transparency about endorsements
• A clear refusal to support anti-diversity candidates, no matter their voting record on narrow “property issues”

Diversity can’t just be a press release, a photo op, or one “safe” endorsement. It must be the standard — rooted in our Code of Ethics and reflected in every decision RPAC makes.