The Howard County Office of Human Rights enforces the Howard County code that prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, financing, and law enforcement on the basis of age, occupation, marital status, political opinion, sexual orientation, personal appearance, or source of income in addition to the federally protected classes. When a complaint is filed, an investigation is conducted and conciliation attempted. If conciliation fails and probable cause has been determined, a hearing is held before the Human Rights Commission. The Department investigates discrimination complaints in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The protected classes are race, age, sex, religion, marital status, national origin, and physical and mental disability.
Technical assistance is provided to employers.
The Department coordinates public information activities and participates in community-building functions. The Commission investigates complaints of discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, occupation, marital status, political opinion, personal appearance, sexual orientation, physical or mental handicap, or familial status in employment, education, financial lending, commercial real estate, housing, law enforcement, and public accommodations. The Commission advises county commissioners on human rights issues. The Commission works to eliminate discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental handicap. The agency mediates disputes among citizens and conducts public hearings where mediation fails.