The Commission seeks to eliminate discrimination based on race, color, ancestry or national origin, religion, sex, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, and age. Maryland anti-discrimination statutes for housing, employment, and public accommodations are administered and enforced by the Commission. It also initiates and investigates complaints of discrimination in State government agencies and enforces the State's commercial nondiscrimination policy.
William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul St., Baltimore, Maryland, July 2003. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
In addition to other relief, the Commission can issue a cease and desist order if evidence shows that a respondent has engaged in a discriminatory act. In cases of employment discrimination, it may award up to two years of back pay.
Commission work for fair employment practices is supplemented by a deferral relationship and funding from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Similarly, through cooperative agreements, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funds case processing and community education for the Commission's fair housing efforts.
Nine members constitute the Commission. They are appointed to six-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. The Governor names the Executive Director (Code State Government Article, sec. 20-101 through 20-1203).
The Commission works through the Mediation Unit, Office of General Counsel, and two divisions: Administrative and Support Services, and Case Processing.
The Division works through four units: Expedited Investigations; Field Operations; Intake; and Investigations.
INTAKE UNIT
© Copyright Maryland State Archives
MEDIATION UNIT
Formed in January 2002, the Mediation Unit offers an alternative to litigation for disputing parties. Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process in which an impartial third party facilitates communication between opposing sides to find a mutually satisfactory solution. Free mediation services are provided to complainants and respondents by volunteer mediators throughout the State.
ADMINISTRATIVE & SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
The Administrative and Support Services Division oversees three units: Fiscal Services, Management Information Systems, and Personnel Services.
CASE PROCESSING DIVISION
Complaints filed with the Commission on housing, public accomodations, and employment, are received, processed, and investigated by the Case Processing Division. This Division processes complaints directly from individuals who believe they have been discriminated against and cases referred by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The Division maintains full-service offices in Easton (Talbot County), Hagerstown (Washington County), Leonardtown (St. Mary's County), and Salisbury (Wicomico County).
Under Operations, the Intake Unit was renamed the Case Control and Mediation Unit in September 1999. Placed under the Case Processing Division in July 2000, it became the Records Control Unit in 2001, and regrouped as the Intake Unit in 2005.
OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL
The General Counsel represents the Commission at all hearings and judicial proceedings in which the Commission is a party. These included appearances before the Office of Administrative Hearings, and State and federal trial and appellate courts. The Office issues opinions to commissioners and staff, trains investigators, and provides technical assistance to businesses, corporations, organizations, and State agencies (Code State Government Article, sec. 20-206).
COMMERCIAL NONDISCRIMINATION UNIT
The Commercial Nondiscrimination Unit was organized in 2007. The Unit oversees enforcement of State policy prohibiting discrimination by businesses and in State procurement contracts.
Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies
Maryland Departments
Maryland Independent Agencies
Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards
Maryland Universities & Colleges
Maryland Counties
Maryland Municipalities
Maryland at a Glance
Maryland Manual On-Line
Search the Manual
e-mail: mdmanual@mdarchives.state.md.us