On July 9, 2025, civil rights advocates in Texas gathered in Austin to address ongoing housing discrimination issues and call for continued action to combat systemic inequality in the state.During the press conference, leaders from various civil rights organizations highlighted the persistent challenges faced by marginalized communities in Texas, particularly in accessing affordable and equitable housing. They emphasized the need for comprehensive legislative measures to promote fair housing practices and eliminate discriminatory barriers.Jasmine Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the Texas Civil Rights Coalition, spoke about the widespread discrimination faced by renters and homebuyers based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, and disability. She presented data showing disproportionate eviction rates among Black and Latinx tenants, as well as instances of predatory lending practices targeting low-income communities.Rodriguez also pointed to the lack of accountability and enforcement of fair housing laws in many Texas cities and called on state legislators to prioritize the strengthening of anti-discrimination statutes and the oversight of housing providers.In response to these concerns, state lawmakers have introduced a series of bills aimed at addressing housing discrimination, including measures to increase funding for fair housing enforcement agencies, expand protections for marginalized communities, and establish guidelines for affordable housing developments.Representative Angela Garcia, a key sponsor of the proposed legislation, expressed optimism about the potential impact of these initiatives in promoting housing equity and combating systemic racism in Texas. She urged her colleagues to prioritize these bills in the upcoming legislative session and work towards a more inclusive and equitable housing landscape for all Texans.The press conference concluded with a call to action for community members to support these legislative efforts and engage in advocacy to ensure that fair housing protections are upheld and enforced throughout the state. Civil rights advocates pledged to continue their work in fighting against housing discrimination and promoting social justice for all residents of Texas.