Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Discrimination?
  Discrimination means acting or failing to act or unduly delaying any action regarding any person because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information, ancestry, or retaliation in such a way that such persons are adversely affected in housing, employment, law enforcement, public accommodations, or financing. Discrimination is..Unfair, Expensive, Illegal
  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.
   
  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.
  The Federal and State Laws prohibit discrimination in the following areas:
  Race/Color
  Religion
  Disability
  Sex
  National Orgin
  Family Status/Pregnancy
  Marital Status
  Genetic Information/Ancestry
  Retaliation
• 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 Anne Arundel County Human Relations Office for information and guidance concerning your legal obligations. 
• What is the MCCR?
  MCCR stands for The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. To find out more information about MCCR please go to https://mccr.maryland.gov/Pages/About-MCCR.aspx
• How to file a complaint of Discrimination with MCCR
  Please go to the The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights page to file a complaint of Discrimination.
• How to file a charge of Discrimination with the EEOC
  If you believe that you have been discriminated against at work because of your race, color, religion,  sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national  origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information, you can file a Charge of Discrimination. Please go to https://www.eeoc.gov/filing-charge-discrimination to file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC.
  
  Types of Discrimination