Human Relations Commission

Working together for Equality

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. by appointment (except holidays)

The Human Relations Commission was established by Executive Order in June of 1965, and thereupon approved by the Anne Arundel County Council in Resolution Number 25. Commission members are appointed by the County Executive. The Commission’s responsibilities are to:

• Recommend civil rights policy
• Conduct studies and Surveys
• Investigate mediate and conciliate all cases of alleged discrimination;
• Make recommendations
• Promote, in any way possible, Human Rights in Anne Arundel County

What is Discrimination?

Discrimination means acting or failing to act or unduly delaying any action regarding any person because of race, creed, religion, physical or mental handicap, color, sex, national origin, age, occupation, personal appearance, political opinion, sexual orientation, or marital status in such a way that such persons are adversely affected in housing, employment, law enforcement, public accommodations, or financing.

Discrimination is…

Unfair

Therefore, the Anne Arundel County Government public policy is to foster and encourage the growth and development of the County so that all persons shall have and equal opportunity to pursue live free of discrimination.

Expensive

Businesses and employees deprive themselves of valuable resources and assume costly expenditures in staff time and settlements when the discriminate consciously or unconsciously in their activities.

Illegal

The Federal and State Laws, and County Ordinance prohibit discrimination in the following:

• Race
• Creed
• Religion
• Physical or mental handicap
• Color
• Sex
• National origin
• Age
• Sexual orientation

How to File a Complaint

If you think you have been discriminated against, call or visit the Anne Arundel County Human Relations Office to discuss your concern with our staff. We will explain our role and our process and determine if your concern is covered by law. We can, if necessary, refer you to other appropriate resources.

How to Prevent a Complaint

If you are an employer or have a business and are not familiar with local, state and federal regulation which prohibit discrimination, call or visit the Human Relations Office for information and guidance concerning your legal obligations.