The Nine Commissioners: What The Maryland Civil Rights Commission Is Doing Right Now In 2025
The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) is currently at the forefront of protecting and advancing the rights of all residents, marking a period of significant enforcement and new public outreach initiatives as of December 2025. This vital state agency is the primary body responsible for investigating and resolving complaints of unlawful discrimination across Maryland, ensuring compliance in areas ranging from housing and employment to public accommodations and health services. The Commission’s work is more critical than ever, navigating complex state-federal civil rights intersections and tackling contemporary challenges like the rise of political violence and evolving disability rights.
Under the leadership of its Executive Director, the MCCR has focused on transparency and education, recently co-publishing a major "Know Your Rights" guide with the Attorney General’s office to empower citizens. This article provides an in-depth look at the commission’s current leadership, its most recent and impactful initiatives from 2024–2025, and the essential steps Marylanders must take to file a discrimination complaint and protect their rights under state law.
MCCR Leadership: The Nine Commissioners and Executive Director (2025)
The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights is governed by a nine-member board of Commissioners, who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Maryland State Senate. These Commissioners provide strategic direction and oversight for the agency's enforcement and educational efforts. The day-to-day operations are managed by a dedicated Executive Director, appointed to drive the Commission’s mission forward.
Executive Director
- Cleveland L. Horton II: Appointed to the role of Executive Director in September 2024, Mr. Horton II brings extensive experience to the MCCR. His leadership has been marked by a strong emphasis on unity, policy, and proactive statements on critical issues, including a public stance condemning political violence and advocating for leadership in challenging times.
Current MCCR Commissioners (Partial List with Term End Year)
The following individuals serve as Commissioners, with terms expiring in the years noted, reflecting the staggered appointment process that ensures continuity in the Commission's governance:
- Gina McKnight-Smith, Pharm.D. (Term ends 2027)
- Magdalena S. Navarro (Term ends 2027)
- Kimberly C. Prescott (Term ends 2027)
- Angela J. Scott, Esq. (Term ends 2029)
- Noah T. Metheny, Esq. (Term ends 2030)
- Janssen E. Evelyn, Esq. (Term ends 2025)
- Eileen M. Levitt (Term ends 2025)
- Jeffrey T. Rosen, Esq. (Term ends 2025)
Major 2025 Initiatives: New Guidance and Public Outreach
The year 2025 has been pivotal for the MCCR, characterized by major public-facing initiatives designed to clarify rights and celebrate the ongoing fight for equity. These efforts demonstrate the Commission's shift toward proactive public education alongside its enforcement duties.
The "Know Your Rights" Guide (July 2025)
In a significant move to empower Maryland residents, the MCCR, in conjunction with Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, released the "Know Your Rights: A Guide to Understanding and Protecting Your Rights" booklet on July 21, 2025. This comprehensive guide is a crucial resource, underscoring the intersection of state and federal civil rights policies and helping citizens understand where to turn when their rights are violated.
The guide specifically addresses the complexities that arise when new federal policies are implemented, providing clarity on how Maryland’s own robust anti-discrimination laws remain enforceable. This joint publication is a testament to the coordinated effort between Maryland’s top legal and civil rights enforcement bodies.
The Maryland Civil Rights Gala (2025)
A key event for the Commission in 2025 was the Maryland Civil Rights Gala. The gala served as a platform for discussions on unity, policy advocacy, and the development of young leadership in the ongoing pursuit of justice. It included an award ceremony to honor community leaders and featured a high-level fireside chat, reinforcing the MCCR's role as a convener for civil rights organizations statewide.
Fiscal Year 2024 Enforcement and Outcomes
The MCCR's enforcement work continues to yield tangible results for complainants. The FY2024 Annual Report highlighted significant financial relief recovered for individuals who experienced discrimination. Furthermore, the report pointed to the Commission's enhanced ability to support investigations of housing discrimination, suggesting a positive trend toward increased positive outcomes in this critical area.
A notable recent enforcement action occurred in December 2024, involving a Waldorf, Maryland restaurant that allegedly discriminated against children with disabilities during a visit, showcasing the MCCR's commitment to protecting the rights of vulnerable populations in public accommodations.
Your Rights and the MCCR Complaint Process
The MCCR is the primary state agency responsible for investigating discrimination complaints. Understanding its jurisdiction and the proper procedure is essential for anyone seeking justice under Maryland law.
MCCR Jurisdiction: Where Discrimination is Prohibited
The MCCR enforces Maryland laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination across several key areas of daily life. These areas of protection include:
- Employment: Discrimination in hiring, firing, promotion, and compensation.
- Housing: Discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of residential property.
- Public Accommodations: Discrimination in places open to the public (e.g., restaurants, shops, theaters).
- Health Services: Ensuring equal access to medical care and health facilities.
- Leasing of Commercial Property: Protection against discrimination in business transactions.
- State's Fair Housing Law: Dedicated enforcement of housing equity across the state.
Protected Classes Under Maryland Law
Maryland law provides broad protection against discrimination. The state’s list of protected classes is comprehensive, extending beyond federal mandates to include additional categories such as:
- Race, Color, and National Origin
- Religion
- Sex (including pregnancy)
- Age
- Disability (physical and mental)
- Marital Status
- Familial Status (in housing)
- Military Status
- Genetic Information
- Sexual Orientation
- Gender Identity (added by the Fairness for All Marylanders Act of 2014)
- Source of Income (in housing)
How to File a Complaint with the MCCR
The process for filing a discrimination complaint with the MCCR is structured and must be initiated promptly, as there is a strict time limit. You must file your complaint within 300 days of the alleged act of discrimination. The process typically involves four main steps:
- Initiate an Online Inquiry: The first step is to contact the MCCR to report the incident and start an inquiry.
- Complete an Interview: An MCCR Intake Officer will conduct an interview to gather details and determine if the alleged act falls within the Commission’s jurisdiction.
- File Your Formal Complaint: If the case has merit, you will file a formal, sworn complaint document.
- Investigation and Resolution: The MCCR will then investigate the complaint, which may include fact-finding, mediation, or a public hearing. Mediation is available at any time during the process if both parties agree.
The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights remains a critical mechanism for justice and equity in the state. By staying informed about the latest guidance, understanding the protected classes, and knowing the proper filing procedure, Marylanders can actively utilize the MCCR to enforce their civil rights and promote a state free from unlawful discrimination.
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