Cases may be referred to other agencies depending on jurisdiction, the needs of the Complainant and other circumstances. The Department provides technical assistance and information to the public school system, citizens and employers. They investigate complaints of discrimination based on age, disability, race, religion, sex and national origin. The Commission investigates complaints of discrimination in the areas of employment, public accommodation and housing on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, physical or mental handicap and age. MCHR staff comes to Frederick once a week to take complaints, and also by appointment.
Technical assistance is provided through the Baltimore office.
Federal fair housing law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, familial status, sex, disability, national origin and religion. If you work in Montgomery County and live in Frederick County you may be able to file a complaint of discrimination through the Montgomery County office, or the MCHR address provided above. If you believe a person or company has unsanitary conditions, is operating without a license or has other non-professional practices, and this company must be licensed by the State of Maryland, you may also be able to file a complaint with the appropriate board which licenses the professional service in question. For example, people who sell real estate, operate beauty salons and barber shops, home improvement companies, are licensed by a specific state board. This office will mediate some disputes involving written contracts, verbal contracts and product warranties.