Mission

The Office of Human Rights and Equity is an entity of the Howard County Government that seeks to eradicate discrimination, increase equal opportunity and protect and promote human rights in the County.

Get Started:

How to File a Discrimination Complaint

Commissions & Workgroups

 

 

Diversebackground

OHRE Wins Three 2023 NACo Achievement Awards

National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards are the premier national honor to recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizenship participation and public policymaking. In 2022, the Office of Human Rights & Equity won two NACo Achievement Awards for Reading Human Rights and the MLK Pop Up Food Pantry. In 2021, the OHRE won one award for the Humanity Matters Dialogue Series.

In 2023, the OHRE is being recognized for three NACo Achievement Awards. Click on the links below to read more about each initiative:

OHRE NACo Awards

What We Do

  • Investigates and processes complaints of unlawful discrimination in Employment, Housing, Public Accommodation, and Financing (Lending Institutions).  The Office accepts complaints by Law Enforcement, but the complaint will be investigated by the Howard County Police Department.
  • Resolves complaints by conference, conciliation or mediation
  • Enforces the Howard County Human Rights Law
  • Conducts public hearings on issues affecting the protection and promotion of Human Rights
  • Conducts studies, surveys, and publishes reports
  • Recommends policies on Civil and Human Rights to the County Executive
  • Cooperates with other local, state, and federal agencies and officials to protect and promote better human relations
  • Serves as an advocate to address issues involving discrimination, human relations, and diversity
  • Initiates and participates in outreach activities and events with governmental and community organizations
  • Serves as a liaison with the public, governmental agencies and, community groups to develop educational programs, heightens public awareness of discrimination and methods of eliminating discrimination

Resources & Information

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How to File a Discrimination Complaint

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Any person can file a Complaint if the incident of alleged discrimination occurred in Howard County.  The Complaint must be filed within 6 months (Employment, Public Accommodation, Finance and Law Enforcement) or within 1 year (Housing) of the alleged discrimination. In the case of Employment discrimination, the employer must have 5 or more employees.

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Equity and Restorative Practices Unit

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The Equity and Restorative Practices (ERP) Unit utilizes an equity-centered lens to infuse concepts of equity in the county’s service delivery, decision-making, and resource distributions. ERP seeks to ensure a shared organizational understanding of racial equity and social justice by supporting departments and staff for transformational change and operationalizing equitable practices, policies, and procedures that result in more fair and just outcomes.   

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Community Outreach Unit

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The Community Outreach Unit increases the presence of the Office of Human Rights & Equity within the Howard County, Maryland community by creating opportunities for residents to affirm their humanity while protecting that of their neighbor's. The Outreach Unit accomplishes this by providing trainings and workshops, listening sessions, and events to government agencies, organizations, and community members around racial equity, social justice, and human relations. 

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Contests and Awards

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Click here to view Contest details for Human Rights contests, including:

  • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission Poster, Essay, and Oratory contest details and winners.
  • Annual Living the Dream Award
  • Howard County High School Food Drive Contest

 

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Reports & Publications

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See our annual reports, special reports and statements, and Human Rights brochures.

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Forms & Applications

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See all of our forms and applications, including documents for making a complaint, applying to the Human Rights Commission, and Human Rights Commission Award nominations.

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Policies and Regulations

Content

SECTION 12.200 HUMAN RIGHTS LAW

It is sometimes difficult for the average person to know what laws,  regulations and policies affect residents of the county.  For the past few years  Howard County has worked to make those laws, regulations and policies more  readily available to the public, and this page is a continuation of that effort.

Howard County law prohibits discrimination in the following five areas:

Employment - Sec. 12.208
Housing - Sec. 12.207
Public  Accommodation - Sec. 12.210
Law Enforcement - Sec. 12.209
Finance  - Sec. 12.211

To view these laws, please click on the link below:
  1. Click the following link: Howard County Code
  2. Click Title 12 Health And Social Services.
  3. Click Subtitle 2 Human Rights.

View the Rules of Procedure of the Human Rights Commission

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Online Inquiry Form

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View our online inquiry form. This is not a formal complaint.

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OHRE TV

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Watch the Office of Human Rights & Equity's training sessions, webinars and events!

Commissions & Workgroups

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Commission Vacancies

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Howard County Government is seeking qualified applicants to fill vacancies on several OHRE commissions:

Asian American & Pacific Islander Commission College/Trade Student
La Alianza Latina Commission 1 Adult Commissioner; 1 High School Student
LGBTQIA+ Commission 3 Adult Commissioners; 1 College Student
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission 4 Adult Commissioners
Human Rights Commission 3 Adult Commissioners
  • College/Trade Student Candidates must be enrolled in college or trade school and reside in Howard County.

  • Adult Candidates must be Howard County residents 18 years of age or older. 

  • High School Candidates must be Howard County residents under the age of 19 years old and available to serve for a one-year term from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.

To submit your application or see more information about preparing documents and submission guidelines, visit:

https://www.howardcountymd.gov/boards-commissions

Title

Human Rights Commission

Content

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) was established in 1969. It is comprised of 11 members and a non-voting student member, 18 years old or under. Commissioners must live in Howard County and represent the diversity of county residents. The duties and responsibilities of the Commission are prescribed by law and include recommending a civil rights policy to the County Executive and the County Council. This includes having the authority to conduct surveys and studies concerning civil liberties in order to promote equality in the community. In addition to hosting the annual HRC awards, they support OHRE outreach activities.

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Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Commission

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The Howard County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission (MLK) was established by order of the Howard County Executive to encourage and coordinate appropriate ceremonies and activities honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Commissioners are appointed by the County Executive to serve an initial term of two years. Each year, the MLK celebration takes place on the third Sunday of January. The Day of Service takes place the next day on the third Monday of January. The Day of Service provides a variety of service opportunities throughout the community that is representative of Dr. King’s dedication to servant leadership.

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LGBTQIA+ Commission

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The Howard County LGBTQ+ Workgroup was established on November 1, 2019. County Executive Calvin Ball signed an Executive Order to create an LGBTQ+ (Lesbian,Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+) Workgroup to promote the shared community values of diversity and civility. The Workgroup partnered with county agencies non-profit organizations, and other community groups to facilitate an environment of inclusion, communication, understanding, and respect throughout Howard County.

In October 2022 the County Executive and the County Council voted to establish the LGBTQIA+ Commission to continue the much needed work of equity, inclusion, communication, understanding, and respect for all gender and sexual identities. The purpose of this Commission is to advance policy and systemic change for all persons who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer, Non-binary, and who identify in other capacities along the LGBTQIA+ Spectrum. The Commission is made up of 17 voting members and will seek out 2 non-voting student members in the new year. They meet bi-monthly beginning on January 12, 2023.

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La Alianza Latina Commission

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The County Executive established La Alianza Latina as a workgroup during Hispanic Heritage Month in September of 2020. The goals of the workgroup were to promote diversity, civility, and address the concerns and struggles that Latino and immigrant communities experience. In October 2022, the County Executive and the County Council voted to establish La Alianza Latina Commission in order to continuing the work of advancing policy and systemic change for the uplift of Latino families, businesses, and residents. The Commission consists of 16 voting members and 2 student non-voting members. Each appointed member was appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. La Alianza Latina Commission meets bi-monthly beginning on January 24, 2023.

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Asian American & Pacific Islander Commission

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The Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission advises the Howard County Executive on policy initiatives and advocates on issues that affect the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Consisting of 18 members, in addition to the honorary chair, Maryland State Senator Clarence Lam; AAPI hosts public quarterly meetings and presents biannual reports. AAPI organizes cultural events and has informative discussions on emerging issues. It is with the hope that these conferences will foster stronger relationships between the AAPI and the community. The Commission is dedicated to creating a safe place where AAPI residents feel valued and heard in the community.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Who may file a complaint?

Content

Anyone who believes that he/she has experienced discrimination in Howard County in the areas of Employment, Housing, Public Accommodation, Law Enforcement or Finance and you are covered by one or more of the following 16 protected basis:

Race
Religion
Creed
Marital Status
Familial Status
Sex
Age
Sexual Orientation
Personal Appearance
Source of Income
Color
National Origin
Physical or Mental Disability
Occupation
Gender Identity

You do not need to be a resident of Howard County. 

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How do I file a complaint?

Content

You must file your complaint with the Office of Human Rights at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 237, Columbia, MD 21046. Please call OHRE at 410-313-6430 for specific information. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

A complaint must be filed within 6 months of the alleged discrimination, except housing complaints must be filed within 1 year of the discriminatory behavior.

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If I file with OHR, should I also file with EEOC?

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No, if the complaint is cross-jurisdictional with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), OHRE will cross-file the complaint with EEOC. You should not file separately with both.  Call OHRE with any questions.

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Do I need a lawyer to have my complaint investigated?

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You do not need a lawyer to go through this process, but you may elect to obtain one at any time. OHRE does not provide lawyers for parties to a complaint.

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What happens after complaints are filed?

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All complaints are investigated unless the Administrator finds lack of jurisdiction or no merit to the complaint. The Respondent is notified of the investigation and the investigation is initiated. Once your case is filed, you will be assigned to an investigator. You can contact your investigator at any time during the investigation in order to check on the status of your case.  Also see Case Processing & Services page.

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Will OHRE represent me?

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OHRE will not represent you. OHRE will conduct an impartial investigation of complaints filed with the agency.

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If I file with OHRE, can my employer fire me?

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There is a law that prohibits retaliation for filing a complaint or participating in a protected act (such as being a witness in a human rights investigation). However, your employer is permitted to supervise and evaluate and, yes, even terminate you for legitimate business reasons. This is a question which you should discuss with a staff member of OHRE as each situation is unique.

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If I have a disability, can my employer fire me?

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There are laws which protect persons with disabilities. However, each situation is unique and needs to be accessed.  An investigator can discuss weather a complaint can be filed.

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If I file a “Housing” complaint with OHRE, can they still evict me?

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That depends on the particular circumstances which are occurring. Eviction is a legal process that is governed by State laws. OHR does not handle landlord/tenant issues. OHRE can take complaints that have to do with housing discrimination. Baltimore Neighborhoods Inc. has a landlord/tenant line that can answer those questions (410-243-6007). Also, the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection handles landlord/tenant questions; call 410-313-6420.

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I live in Howard County, but work in another county. Can I still file my complaint in Howard County?

Content

OHRE can only take complaints that occur in Howard County regardless of where the complainant may live.

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If I file with OHRE, can I still go to court?

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Yes, you will have the right to go to the circuit court for the county in which the alleged discrimination took place not later than two (2) years after the occurrence of the alleged discriminatory act and 45 days after filing the complaint. You may have other rights that OHRE staff will explain to you when you call or come into the office.

 

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Can OHRE provide Interpreters?

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OHRE will provide interpreters for any language if you need one. If you call the office, just let someone know you need an interpreter, and OHRE will contact an interpreter by phone to assist you with filing a complaint. OHRE has staff members that speak Spanish.

Local & National Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Resources

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Black Transman

Content

"Black Transmen Inc. sponsors a new black trans equality movement, that includes the power and admiration of black transmen living life in spite of societal and/or traditional expectations of gender identity. We affirm and celebrate the beauty, strength and uniqueness of the transmasculine community."

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Blaq Equity Baltimore

Content

"Blaq Equity Baltimore envisions a society where all Black LGBTQ people thrive and feel safe, supported, and whole.   Our mission is to foster a sense of belonging and connectedness among the Black LGBTQ community in the Baltimore metropolitan area and increase our capacity to be mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, sexually, and economically healthy. We strive to create programs that educate, empower, and uplift our diverse community."

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Howard County Office of Consumer Protection

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"The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) assists both tenants and landlords in Howard County who have questions or problems involving rental housing, including:
  • Providing information on Maryland laws that govern lease provisions, security deposits, and evictions;
  • Handling disputes where a tenant believes a landlord has violated landlord-tenant laws. OCP helps tenants understand their rights, try to resolve the dispute through mediation and, take action to address unfair or deceptive practices;
  • Assisting landlords and prospective landlords to comply with landlord-tenant laws and be successful in their rental businesses."
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Howard County Office of Disability Services

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"The Office of Disability Services strives to promote the self-sufficiency and well-being of people with disabilities through information, referral, advocacy and education."

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Hopeworks of Howard County

Content

"At HopeWorks our mission is to support and advocate for people in Howard County affected by sexual and intimate partner violence and to engage the community in creating the change required for violence prevention."

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Luminus

Content

"Luminus empowers New Americans by offering legal, social, and language services to help them achieve their goals. We also seek systematic changes that will better the lives of all immigrants."

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Maryland Commission on Civil Rights

Content

"It is the mission of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights to ensure opportunity for all through the enforcement of Maryland’s laws against discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and state contracts; to provide educational outreach services related to provisions of this law; and to promote and improve civil rights in Maryland.

Our vision is to have a State that is free from any trace of unlawful discrimination."

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NAACP (Howard County Branch)

Content

"The Mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination."

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PFLAG of Howard County

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"PFLAG acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.  We promote the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, as well as their families and friends."

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The Pride Center of Maryland

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"The Pride Center of Maryland offers over 30 programs and services that reflect our dedication to ensuring Maryland’s sexual and gender minority community have equal access to care, services, and a space where they can be their authentic selves. Each year, we serve thousands of Maryland residents in order to fulfill our commitment of uniting, empowering, and advocating on behalf of sexual and gender minorities of Baltimore and Central Maryland."

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Somos Familia

Content

"Somos Familia was founded by two moms from the East Bay (San Francisco Bay Area) with Latino gay and bisexual sons in 2007 to reach out to other families. With a group of volunteers and staff of different generations, we established the following mission and vision:
Somos Familia builds leadership in our Latinx families and communities to create a culture where people of diverse genders and sexual orientations can thrive..."

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Therapeutic Recreation & Accommodation Services

Content

"Our mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing community recreational and leisure opportunities and promoting lifelong skills.  

We provide accommodations and supports for inclusion of individuals with disabilities and medical or health conditions into programs offered by Howard County Recreation & Parks.  These supports and accommodations include but are not limited to sign language interpreters, adaptive equipment, specialized training for staff, and increasing the staff to participant ratio."

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The Trevor Project

Content

"Hope for young LGBTQ lives starts here.  We believe LGBTQ young people deserve a welcoming, loving world. And we wake up every day dedicated to making that a reality."

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United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Content

"The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information."

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US Department of Housing and Urban Development

Content

"The Department of Housing and Urban Development is the Federal agency responsible for national policy and programs that address America's housing needs, that improve and develop the Nation's communities, and enforce fair housing laws. HUD's business is helping create a decent home and suitable living environment for all Americans..."

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Women's Giving Circle

Content

"The Women’s Giving Circle is building a community of philanthropists and creating a permanent legacy to address the needs of women and girls in Howard County."

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