Human Relations Commission

Working together for Equality

Anne Arundel County Human Relations Commission Seeks Nominations for Dallas Pace Award

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

Executive Order #26, signed by County Executive John R. Leopold in January of 2008, re-established the Human Relations Commission and re-promulgated the original Executive Order of 1965.

The Human Relations Commission is a non-legislative body and Commission members are appointed by the County Executive. While the Commission has no statutory enforcement powers, it can advise residents of the appropriate State or Federal Agencies with whom they may file a complaint to seek enforcement. The Commission's responsibilities are as follows:

• Act as an interpreter and conciliator in those instances where tensions erupt into social disturbances and offer recommendations to hasten the necessary social change which may deter the recurrence of upheaval;
• Work to remove inequalities which pertain to minority group status in such problem areas as housing, recreation, education, employment, public accommodations, and those other areas which may be instrumented by the County Executive;
• Initiate, receive and investigate complaints of discrimination, group tensions, prejudice, intolerance, and bigotry against any person or group because of race, creed, color, age, sex, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or national origin that might deprive the person or group of equal rights, protection or opportunities.
• Collect, research, assemble, and analyze pertinent data and educational materials to assist in the elimination of prejudice and discrimination;
• Conduct educational programs;
• Advise and counsel the residents of Anne Arundel County, the County Council, and County Departments on matters involving racial, religious, sex, or ethnic prejudice; inter-group rights; activities; and human relations; and
• Recommend procedures, programs, or legislation necessary to promote and ensure equal rights and opportunities.

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.