The Commission
The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) represents the interest of the State to ensure equal opportunity for all through enforcement of Titles 20 of the State Government Article, and 19 of the State Procurement & Finance Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. MCCR investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and the State's commercial non-discrimination policy from members of protected classes that are covered under those laws.
MCCR is governed by a nine-member Commission appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Maryland Senate. Commission members are appointed to serve six-year terms. The Commission meets once a month to set policy and review programmatic initiatives.
The Commission is an independent agency that serves individuals, businesses, and communities throughout the State. Its mandate is to protect against discrimination based on race, color, religion or creed, sex, age, ancestry or national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. In employment cases, discrimination based on genetic information is prohibited. In housing cases, discrimination based on familial status and source of income is also unlawful.
In addition, the Commission assists employers in developing bias-free selection, hiring, retention, promotion and contracting procedures; increases equal housing opportunities to all groups in Maryland; ensures equal access to public accommodations and services; promotes knowledge and understanding of anti-discrimination laws; and helps to improve civil rights within the State.
Authority & Purpose
The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) is governed by a nine-member Commission appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Maryland State Senate. Title 20 of the State Government Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, provides that the Commission, in addition to its enforcement responsibilities, may hold hearings and initiate surveys to determine the scope of human relations problems, and to make recommendations for resolving them. Commission members are appointed to serve six-year terms. The Commission meets at least once a month to set policy and review programmatic initiatives.
Additionally, under State Government Article 49B, Section 2(a), Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners submit a list of five candidates for Executive Director to the Governor, from which the Governor will make an appointment. Additionally, the Commission can recommend that the Governor remove the Executive Director by a two-thirds vote of the Commissioners.
Membership
- Stephanie Suerth, MPA, CCEP, Chairperson - Appointed March 12, 2021. Resides in Baltimore City. Term expires June 30, 2025.
- Janssen E. Evelyn, Esq., Vice Chairperson - Appointed March 13, 2020. Resides in Howard County. Term expires June 30, 2025.
- Eileen M. Levitt, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Commissioner - Appointed March 8, 2019. Resides in Howard County. Term expires June 30, 2025.
- Angela Scott Esq. Commissioner – Appointed June 30, 2023. Resides in Howard County. Term expires June 30, 2029.
- Magdalena S. Navarro, MSc, Commissioner - Appointed July 1, 2021. Resides in Montgomery County. Term expires June 30, 2027.
- Jeff Rosen, Commissioner - Appointed May 8, 2020. Resides in Montgomery County. Term expires June 30, 2025.
- Gina McKnight-Smith, PharmD, MBA, Commissioner – Appointed July 1, 2021. Resides in Baltimore County. Term expires June 30, 2027.
- Noah Thomas Metheny, Esq., MPH, Commissioner – Appointed July 1, 2024. Resides in Frederick County. Term expires July 1, 2030.
NEXT COMMISSION MEETING (VIRTUAL via ZOOM)
The Commissioners of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month unless announced otherwise. The Commission normally does not meet during the month of August.
