Human Relations Commission

FREDERICK COUNTY HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION

The Frederick County Human Relations Commission holds meetings on the last Tuesday of the month, except in December, at 6:00 p.m. at Winchester Hall or virtually via County Webex.

 Please click on the "HRC Meeting Agendas and Minutes" tab for the official notice of the meeting and agenda, to be posted no less than three (3) business days before each meeting.

 Individuals requiring special accommodations because of a disability or for lack of English proficiency must contact the Human Relations Commission at (301) 600-1093 or dial 711 for Maryland Relay Services to make arrangements, no later than three (3) days prior to the meeting.

HRC Public Service Video

Overview of the Human Relations Commission

The Frederick County Human Relations Commission is comprised of 15 outstanding, compassionate and dedicated volunteers who strive to eliminate illegal discrimination in Frederick County. Members are appointed by the County and meet each month. In addition, HRC members participate in public forums about human rights issues, help residents understand the administrative and legal resources that are available to fight discrimination, and promote an environment that is in all respects tolerant, peaceful and just.

The Human Relations Commission also sponsors a number of popular community events and activities, including an annual awards program that honors students, adults, businesses and organizations who have joined in the fight against discrimination and intolerance in Frederick County. The HRC also hosts a Naturalization Ceremony each year for new U.S. citizens, a program that celebrates Human Rights Day, and a Human Rights Day luncheon in December at which the county’s federal, state, local elected officials and leaders meet and discuss human relations issues of interest in Frederick County.

 History of the Commission

• Early 1960s: Citizens organized Inter-Racial Committee meetings. Amid the local, state and national tension of the times, people began to meet to address equity and discriminatory issues in Frederick.
• Late 1960s: Originally the committee was a Frederick city work group. The Human Relations Council was formed, and it was changed to a countywide work group.
• 1987: The University of Maryland Institute for Governmental Services, studied the council and recommended a separate Human Relations Commission and Human Relations Department.
• 1989: With increased formal authority by legislative action, the council achieved commission status. The County established the Frederick County Human Relations Commission (HRC) and the Frederick County Human Relations Department (HRD). The HRD was authorized to accept complaints in the areas of housing, employment and public accommodations on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, marital status, disability, color, and national origin.
• 1990: The regulations of the Frederick County HRC were adopted by the County. 
• 2006: The Frederick County Code was amended by the County to make it illegal to discriminate in housing on the basis of source of income or family status.
• 2019: The Frederick County Code was amended by the County Council to make it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.