Who We Are and What We Do
Montgomery County's policy is to foster equal opportunity for all. The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights was established by law to help avoid and conciliate intergroup friction and to enforce human rights laws. Rights protected under the law cover employment, public accommodations, housing, and commercial real estate. The law also makes illegal discrimination that is based on race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, genetic status, family responsibilities, gender identity, and (in housing only) source of income and presence of children.
The Commission has 15 members. The members are appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. The members are men and women who are broadly representative of the diverse population of the County. Each member serves a 3-year term. The Executive designates a member of the Commission to be chair. The Commission may elect other officers, as it deems necessary. Three members of the Commission serve on the Case Review Board which handles appeals and hearings for discrimination complaints.
The Office of Human Rights investigates incidents of hate/violence and complaints of discrimination. Victims of hate/violence crimes can seek compensation for replacement of property through the County's Partnership Fund, administered by the Office of Human Rights.
The Montgomery County Committee on Hate/Violence is a citizen's advisory group created to work with the Office of Human Rights. Its function is to help to educate the residents of Montgomery County about hate/violence, to recommend policies, programs, legislation, or other initiatives needed to decrease and eliminate hate/violence in the county, and to promote respect for social and cultural diversity
The Office of Human Rights also sponsors training to ensure fair housing opportunities and multicultural and interracial awareness. For more information, call (240) 777-8450; TDD/TTY (240) 777-8480.
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Mission Statement
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Enforce Montgomery
County's human rights laws in
employment, public accommodation, and
housing.
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Make citizens, both
private and corporate, aware of their
rights and obligations under the
County's human rights laws.
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Provide leadership,
advocacy, education, and support for
fair housing practices in the County.
Perform investigative testing to
identify barriers to fair housing and
act on findings. Mobilize effective
community partnerships with residents,
the real estate industry, businesses,
other public agencies, and non-profit
groups.
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Provide support to
victims of hate/violence incidents
through the Network of Neighbors and
offer victim compensation through the
Hate/Violence Partnership Fund.
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Promote sensitivity,
support and respect for cultural
diversity through such programs as Study
Circles and community dialogues.
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Initiate, analyze or
promote new legislation which would
further the agency's mission.
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Maintain and enhance
agency visibility and interaction with
the community by participating in
special events.
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