Maryland Commission on Civil Rights and the Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown have joined to publish “Know Your Rights: A Guide to Understanding and Protecting Your Rights,” available in both English and Spanish.
The English version can be found online at https://mccr.maryland.gov/Documents/FINAL%20Joint%20KYR%20Booklet%207.10.25.pdf. The Spanish version can found at https://mccr.maryland.gov/Documents/SPANISH%20Joint%20KYR%20Booklet%207.10.25.pdf
The 37-page resource is designed to give Marylanders critical information about how Maryland law protects their civil rights in a number of different areas:
–Protections against discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, health services, and education;
–The rights of persons with disabilities, immigrants, persons with limited English proficiency, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community; and
–Freedom from hate crimes, and other acts of hate and bias.
Authored jointly by the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (“MCCR”) and the Office of the Attorney General’s (“OAG”) Civil Rights Division (“CRD”), this booklet combats misinformation about the continuing force of civil rights protections.
While federal policy changes create uncertainty and confusion, Maryland law continues to provide robust protections against discrimination while many federal provisions against discrimination remain in effect.
This “Know Your Rights” guide was designed to be a useful tool for Marylanders to better understand their legal rights under the law, as well as information on where they can go should they believe their rights have been violated.
“In these challenging times, when the fabric of our communities, cities, states, and country is being tested, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights stands as a beacon of hope and a shield of justice,” said MCCR Executive Director Horton.
“As federal policies shift, many Marylanders fear losing the rights that protect them and their families. This guidance makes clear: no Executive Order can erase the state and federal laws that ensure equal access to housing, jobs, and education,” said Attorney General Brown. “Every Marylander – including LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and immigrants – deserves to be seen, heard, and protected. This guide empowers them to stand up for the rights they are guaranteed by law.”
If you believe your rights have been violated, you may contact the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights at 410-767-8600, by email at [email protected], or through the Online Complaint Preliminary Questionnaire (PQ)) or the Civil Rights Complaint Form.