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1. What is the Annapolis Human Relations Commission?

The Commission is a city board that seeks to ensure equal opportunity in Annapolis. The Commission was established in 1963 and consists of 15 Annapolis residents appointed by the Mayor with the approval of City Council. Commissioners are volunteers.

2. What does the Commission do?

The commission handles complaints of citizens relating to discrimination in:
- Commercial real estate
- Education
- Employment
- Financial lending
- Housing and residential real estate
- Public accommodations
- Recreation

The commission also holds public hearings about the treatment of citizens in these matters, serves as mediators to resolve disagreements in human relations areas, and conducts public programs, surveys, and issues reports on human relations. It also makes recommendations to the Mayor and the City Council for legislation or other action regarding human relations practices.

3. What kinds of discrimination can the commission investigate?

The Commission can accept complaints of discrimination on the basis of:
- Age
- Color
- Familial status
- Gender
- Gender identity
- Genetic information
- Marital status
- National origin
- Physical or mental disability
- Race
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
- Source of income in housing matters

4. How does the Commission handle a complaint of discrimination?

If the commission determines that a complaint may have merit, it will first try to resolve the problem through mediation. That is, Commissioners will facilitate a discussion between the party who has made the complaint and the party against whom it has been filed. The goal of mediation is an agreement that satisfies both sides.

If mediation does not work, or if the party against whom the complaint has been filed refuses to meet, the Commission may refer the case to appropriate state or federal agencies with a recommendation that it be investigated. In housing cases, the Commission may hold a public hearing to determine whether the complaint has validity. If the hearing shows that an illegal act has taken place, the Commission shall issue orders as appropriate or refer the case to the appropriate local and state agencies for action.

5. How do I file a complaint?

The commission’s Complaints Committee will consider complaints and make a recommendation to the commission. The commission will discuss the complaint at its next meeting. To file a complaint, contact the Human Relations Commission at 410-263-7998 or complete and return the human relations formal complaint form (PDF).

6. Can I attend meetings of the Commission?

All meetings are open to the public. If you are an Annapolis resident and are interested in serving on the Commission, please contact the commission.