Human Relations Commission

The Chief of the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion also serves as the Executive Director of the Human Relations Commission (HRC), a 15-member community-led board of directors who are appointed by the County Executive. Seven of the 15 member seats are representatives from each of the County’s seven Councilmanic districts. The HRC works to uphold the human and civil liberties of County residents by providing proactive education and outreach activities to enhance human relations, and forms partnerships with agencies and organizations to promote equal opportunity to the County’s citizens and those conducting business in the County. The mission of the HRC is to eliminate discrimination through enforcement of its antidiscrimination civil and human rights law (Article 29 of the Baltimore County Code), which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, education and finance. The vision of the Commission is to continue to enhance its human relations and civil rights resource agency where stakeholders will fully utilize the services provided.

MEETINGS

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and are open to the public.

MEMBERS

COUNTY RESOURCES

• Commission on Disabilities—Baltimore County believes that a Commission on Disabilities is necessary to advise on the coordination and development of the County's policies for citizens with disabilities.
• Commission for Women—The Commission for Women identifies and advocates for programs, legislation and services to meet the needs of the women of Baltimore County.
• Human Resources—The Baltimore County Office of Human Resources is responsible for recruitment and employment, merit system testing, classification, salary administration, records management and employee training.
• Livability Code Enforcement—The Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections enforces Baltimore County zoning regulations, the livability code, the investment property act, the Maryland Accessibility Code and weed control.
• Neighborhood Improvement—The Department of Planning, Division of Neighborhood Improvement preserves, stabilizes and enhances the human, physical and economic condition of urban communities through cooperative public-private programs, which address specific neighborhood concerns and foster local self-reliance.

CONTACT US

Human Relations Commission
Jefferson Building
105 West Chesapeake Ave, Suite 300
Towson, Maryland 21204

Telephone: 410-887-5917
TDD: 410-339-7520
Email:  bchrc@baltimorecountymd.gov

Fields marked with * are required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Article 3, Title 3, Subtitle 11 of the Baltimore County Code 2003 establishes and mandates the HRC to investigate complaints of discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, education, public accommodations and finance on the basis of race, color, creed, age, religion, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), physical and mental disability, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. The definitions and procedures for executing the public policy to eliminate discriminatory practices within the County are contained in Article 29 of the Baltimore County Code, 2003. In addition to investigating complaints of discrimination, the Commission, in consultation with the Executive Director, is empowered to:

• Coordinate and conduct trainings and seminars in intergroup relations
• Initiate and conduct surveys, studies, inquiries and public hearings
• Make recommendations on intergroup relations to the County Executive and County Council
• Cooperate with other commissions, agencies, organizations and groups including, but not limited to federal, state and counties
• Provide for conciliation and mediation services

The Commission's jurisdiction covers employment, employers with one or more employees, housing, public accommodations, education and finance related complaints that are only in Baltimore County. The Commission does not have jurisdiction over County government, County Board of Education or community colleges.