Airbnb rolls out community commitment to combat racism and bias

Megan Arellano

Oct. 30, 2016, 1:29 p.m.

A home and early fall foliage in Lincoln Park. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

residential real estate; house; home; lincoln park; kevinjbeaty; denverite; denverite; colorado; — A home and early fall foliage in Lincoln Park. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

On Nov. 1, all users of Airbnb will agree to treat everyone will “respect, and without judgment or bias” as part of the company’s effort to fight discrimination. At least, all users who intend to continue utilizing the site.

Earlier this year, the hashtag #airbnbwhileblack prompt many people of color to share their stories of discrimination. In September, the company released a report on its efforts to combat discrimination, and now, Airbnb is unveiling its “community commitment.” Here’s how they describe it:

You commit to treat everyone—regardless of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or age—with respect, and without judgment or bias.

So on or after November 1, the commitment will pop up when users log in to or open the Airbnb website.

Airbnb users who decline won’t be able to host or book using Airbnb, and will have the option to cancel their account. They’ll still be able to browse Airbnb but not able to book any reservations or host any guests.

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A home and early fall foliage in Lincoln Park. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)