Everybody knows that discriminating against anyone based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or handicap (disability) is illegal and immoral, but discrimination continues. The passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1964 curbed some of the abuse, but it simply forced a few holdouts to be more careful and subtle.

If someone doesn't want to sell their house to you or rent you an apartment, they can simply steer you clear of considering it by uttering a few remarks that, on their surface, may seem completely innocent, such as:

• "Your family might not feel comfortable living in this neighborhood."

• "Too bad, we just rented out that apartment yesterday."

• "We rent primarily to 'professionals.'"

• "Houses in this neighborhood are a little pricey. You may want to look for homes in a more affordable area."

• "There's really no way to add wheelchair access to the building."

If you suspect that you've become a victim of housing discrimination, take action. Don't just walk away resigned to the mistaken belief that you can't do anything about it. Your action can make the world a better place for you, your family, and everyone else.

What should you do? Here are some suggestions for becoming a fair housing advocate:

• Realize that housing discrimination is illegal.

• Write down everything you can remember about the incident, including the date, the names of the company and individuals you suspect of discrimination, and what was said.

• Keep detailed records, including application forms and receipts.

• Act quickly while the incident is still fresh in your mind.

• Report the incident and your suspicions to authorities. The HUD (Housing and Urban Development) website has a Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity page here with an index of state and local organizations you can contact.

Keep in mind that laws have little effect on people's behavior unless those laws are enforced, and enforcement begins with concerned citizens who take action. If you suspect discrimination, report it.