About
The Human Rights Commission (HRC) was established in 1969. It is comprised of 11 voting 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, as well as having the authority to conduct surveys and studies concerning civil liberties in order to promote equality in the community. The HRC's duties also include engaging and educating the community, studying and investigating human rights issues, proposing and improving policies on human rights, and interpreting and enforcing the Howard County Human Rights Code. In addition to hosting the annual HRC awards, they support OHRE outreach activities.Â
The Commission held its annual retreat on Saturday, January 7th at 9:30 AM in-person at 9820 Patuxent Woods Dr, Room #211 Columbia, MD 21046 and virtually. To review their retreat, agenda click HERE.
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Commission Information
Commissioners
The Human Rights Commission is comprised of 11 voting members and 1 non-voting student member.
| Name & Role (if applicable) | Term Expiration |
|---|---|
| Scott B. Markow, Chair | 3/1/2026 |
| Lynda Earle, Vice Chair | 3/1/2024 |
| Nina Basu | 4/4/2025 |
| Bianca Chang | 3/1/2025 |
| Bob Ford | 3/1/2026 |
| Joan Hash | 6/1/2024 |
| Jonah Hornum | 3/1/2024 |
| Peter Hwang | 3/21/2024 |
| Tiffany Releford | 9/8/2024 |
| Gabriel Terrasa | 5/4/2025 |
| Kui Zhao | 3/1/2025 |
| Vacant, Student Member | Â |
Howard County Government Staff
- Yolanda F. Sonnier, Executive Secretary
- Hyunjae Shin, HRC Legal Counsel, Howard County Office of Law
- Claudia M. Allen, Case Manager
- Holly Hoang, Recording Secretary
Meeting Schedule
The Human Rights Commission (HRC) meets on the third Thursday of every month at 7:00pm, except for the month of August. All HRC meetings are open to the public. Please see the Commission's meeting agendas for information on how to attend in person or virtually.
2023 Meeting Dates:
- Thursday, December 15, 2022
- Saturday, January 7, 2023 – 2023 HRC RetreatÂ
- Thursday, January 19, 2023
- Thursday, February 16, 2023Â
- Thursday, March 16, 2023
- Thursday, April 20, 2023Â
- Thursday, May 18, 2023
- Thursday, June 15, 2023
- Thursday, July 20, 2023
- Tuesday, September 12, 2023 – OHRE Commission Gathering
- Thursday, September 21, 2023
- Thursday, October 19, 2023
- Thursday, November 16, 2023
- Thursday, December 21, 2023
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Opportunities for Partnerships & Engagement
If you are interested in partnering or seeking co-sponsorship with the Human Rights Commission, please provide the following information, and submit a request to [email protected].
Name:
Email:
Phone Number:
Event Name
Event Date/Time:
Event Location:Â
Event Description
Type of Participation Requested of HRC:
Meeting Agendas & Minutes
2023
December 21st
- AgendaÂ
- MinutesÂ
November 16thÂ
- Agenda
- MinutesÂ
October 19thÂ
- AgendaÂ
- MinutesÂ
September 21st Â
September 12th – OHRE Commission Gathering
July 20th
June 15thÂ
May 18th
April 20th
March 16th
February 16th
January 19th
January 7th – Commission Retreat
2022
December 15thÂ
November 17thÂ
October 20thÂ
September 15thÂ
July 21st
June 16thÂ
May 19th
April 21st
March 17th
February 17th
January 20th
January 8th
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2021
2020
December 17th
November 19, 2020
October 15th
September 17th
July 16th
June 18th
May 21st
April 16th
March 19th
February 21st
January 16th
2019
2018
December 20th
November 15th (Meeting Canceled)
October 25th
September 20th
July 19th
June 21st
May 15th
April 19th
March 15th
February 22nd
January 18th
2017
2016
2015
Public Hearings
HRC Case No. 21-12-011 & 21-12-012: Tyra Berger & Rolanda Williams v. Stephanie Knarr, LLC. Operating as Dr. Stephanie's Relationship Repair Shop
October 2, 2023 - Night 5
November 20, 2023 - Night 6
December 11, 2023 - Night 7
2022 Human Rights Commission Awards
The 2022 Human Rights Commission Award Ceremony took place on Wednesday, October 19th at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center. Thank you to everyone that attended this ceremony. The winners of the 2022 HRC Awards were:Â
2022 James E. Henson, Sr. & Jean W. Toomer Award Recipient: Kazandra Anderson and Dr. Yvette Oquendo
2022 Colette Roberts Organization Award Recipient: Bridgeway Community Church
2022 Dr. Murray Simon Student Award Recipient: Corinne Chau
Please take a look at the 2022 HRC Award Ceremony's program book. Nominations for the 2023 Awards will occur in August 2023.Â
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