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lawsuit filed in Pennsylvania challenges the National Association of Realtors' mandatory membership policies, alleging discriminatory treatment of minority real estate professionals. The case targets NAR's requirement that agents join the organization to access listings on association-owned Multiple Listing Services (MLSs).

    Maurice Muhammad, a realtor from Progressive Realty, claims that this policy violates antitrust laws by creating a monopoly over MLS services and forcing professionals into mandatory membership with NAR, the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors, and the Greater Lehigh Valley Multiple Listing Service. He argues that this structure compels agents to join NAR to access listings, hindering their ability to conduct business effectively.

    Muhammad also alleges that these policies lead to a coercive environment that disproportionately affects minority professionals who lack financial resources to afford membership fees and face discrimination within organizations. He cites the overwhelmingly non-diverse leadership structures at the three organizations as a contributing factor and claims he personally received discriminatory treatment, including biased complaint handling and unfair enforcement of membership obligations.

    The plaintiff seeks reforms, including eliminating membership requirements, ensuring greater representation of minority professionals in decision-making roles, establishing an impartial dispute resolution system, and monetary compensation of no less than $5.6 million. This case is similar to a lawsuit filed in Michigan in August, which also challenged NAR's mandatory membership rule. In contrast, the Alabama Association of Realtors sent a letter to NAR requesting the option to choose which associations they want to join, rather than pursuing litigation.