Ethics complaint against Laura Dwyer Schlecte

This article was originally published on the Marijuana Patients Organization site on April 9, 2014.

Dear Grievance Committee:

I am writing to report the unethical conduct of Laura D. Schlecte.  Mrs. Schlecte is the broker/owner of Thinking Real Estate (f/k/a Prudential Premier Properties), located in Jackson.  I believe that Mrs. Schlecte has violated Article 10 of the Code of Ethics, and more specifically Standard of Practice 10-3,  because she has repeatedly manifested her intent to discriminate against handicapped individuals who are lawful users of medical marijuana under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (“MMMA”), MCL § 333.26421 et seq., Initiated Law 1 (2008).

Mrs. Schlecte has stated that Jackson residents should be able to use and grow medical marijuana on residential property, as permitted under Michigan law, so long as she does not own or manage the property.  In other words, Mrs. Schlecte has stated that property being sold or managed by Thinking Real Estate should be exempt from state law.  This inconsistent stance demonstrates that Mrs. Schlecte would prefer to discriminate against handicapped tenants who are using medication necessary to the preservation and maintenance of their health, if state law allowed it (to be clear, it does not).

As a Jackson City Councilwoman, Mrs. Schlecte has acted upon her discriminatory beliefs by supporting a proposed city ordinance that would require a tenant to receive landlord permission before growing medical marijuana in their residence.  This provision was ultimately stripped from the ordinance after several attorneys informed her that the provision she supported violates the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act of 2008.  She also publicly stated, “as a landlord I would like to be able to control if my tenants can use [marijuana] or not.”  Mrs. Schlecte ignores the fact that requiring disclosure of medical conditions as a condition precedent to the sale/lease of residential property violates well-settled public policy and both state and federal civil rights laws. Furthermore, Mrs. Schlecte has admitted that not all users of medical marijuana smoke marijuana.  Indeed, many users prefer to ingest marijuana, as smoking, especially long-term smoking, can be detrimental to one’s health.  However, a landlord cannot prevent a tenant from using lawful medication as prescribed by a doctor, especially when the landlord targets marijuana users alone.

Mrs. Schlecte’s statements show an acute insensitivity to vulnerable members of our community.  No one denies that marijuana is stigmatized.  But the scientific and medical community has repeatedly recognized marijuana as a legitimate treatment for several medical conditions including physical and mental disabilities.  As a state and a community, we engaged in an important discussion that touched upon the most fundamental justification for the existence of government- protecting the health, safety, and welfare of our citizens. Michigan voters overwhelmingly endorsed the scientific and medical communities’ view by passing the MMMA, which sought to protect a patient’s ability to safely access medical marijuana.  None of this has deterred Mrs. Schlecte from engaging in immature, unprofessional, and unethical behavior.

In addition to the previous comments, Mrs. Schlecte has asserted that, “Having marijuana in a neighborhood decreases property values”.  This statement is patently false and unsupported by either facts or data.  This statement arguably constitutes the illegal practice of blockbusting – exploiting the fear of declining property values to induce a real estate transaction from which a person may (emphasis added) benefit financially or otherwise.  As a REALTOR®, Mrs. Schlecte must be cognizant of the truthfulness of statements she makes regarding property values, especially when such statements become widely circulated by the media in print and electronic form.

Through her actions, Mrs. Schlecte has shown contempt and disregard for state and federal law.  She has damaged the goodwill that other REALTORS® in Jackson have built through their involvement with the community.  That goodwill has real value.  I associate the REALTOR® brand with the things that matter most to me in my everyday life: my family, my friends, and my community – basically, the things closest to my home.  Through her words and actions, Mrs. Schlecte is marginalizing and hurting people that I love and care deeply about.  These aren’t degenerates or drug addicts, but people trying to manage chronic health conditions and cope with daily pain.  Some are being treated for cancer.  The people I personally know are upstanding members in the Jackson community.  My point in saying all of this is to bring some humanity to this letter, and to show that her unprofessional actions and words have real-world consequences.

As a politician, I suppose it makes sense for her to say such things.  Elections are about distinguishing yourself from the other candidates.  Mrs. Schlecte has taken ownership over this whole marijuana controversy and is crusading on it.  But she forgets that while this behavior might be acceptable for a politician campaigning for office, it is not acceptable for a licensed REALTOR®.  In all things, REALTORS® must exercise their professional conduct, but especially when dealing with contentious issues such as medical marihuana usage in residential real estate.  I believe Mrs. Schlecte is entitled to her opinions, but as a REALTOR®, she has voluntarily agreed to abide by the Code of Ethics as a condition of her professional affiliation.

As a REALTOR®, Mrs. Schlecte owes a duty to the public higher than that imposed by state and federal law.  Mrs. Schlecte has, in my opinion, repeatedly breached both the letter and spirit of the Code of Ethics promulgated by the National Association of REALTORS®.  Her statements concerning the adverse effects upon property value caused by users of medical marihuana demonstrate a reckless disregard for the truth.  This is especially troubling given her myriad REALTOR® accreditations and professional accomplishments.  Simply put, she should know better.  I believe her behavior has repeatedly fallen below minimum professional and ethical standards.  I ask that you look into this, come to your own informed decision as to the appropriateness of Mrs. Schlecte’s words and actions as a REALTOR®, and take whatever corrective action you deem appropriate.

Sincerely,

Ryan Richmond
REALTOR®

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