Mission statements may not mean much, but they can help shape a group’s identify and its purpose.
It was recently revealed that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was considering changing its mission statement. The Huffington Post reported that Secretary Ben Carson was going to remove promises of inclusive and discrimination-free communities. Here’s what the statement has been:
HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes; utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business.
According to HuffPost, a revamped proposal reads:
HUD’s mission is to ensure Americans have access to fair, affordable housing and opportunities to achieve self-sufficiency, thereby strengthening our communities and nation.
In the wake of news stories and backlash from vigilant housing advocates, Carson said the agency is considering “modest changes” to its mission statement, but it would always be committed to inclusive housing.
Carson can make that commitment clear by keeping it in the statement. The words are especially important now because the administration has proposed eliminating critical housing programs. They’re important because the administration has moved to delay the Obama administration’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule. They’re important because we’re in a housing crisis. They’re important because discrimination exists.
At another time, changing the mission statement might not be a big deal, but coming on top of these other events, it feels like another hit. This mission statement matters.
