Maryland Commission on Civil Rights and Maryland REALTORS® Forge Historic Partnership to Advance Fair Housing, Accountability, and Equal Opportunity Across Maryland
In a bold and transformative step toward strengthening fair housing enforcement, advancing accountability, and protecting the civil rights of Maryland residents, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) and Maryland REALTORS® are proud to announce the execution of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) – a landmark partnership designed to deepen collaboration, increase transparency, and ensure that discrimination in housing is confronted with urgency, consistency, and action.
This agreement establishes a framework for information sharing, coordinated education, outreach initiatives, and strengthened accountability measures involving violations of fair housing laws and professional ethical standards. Together, both organizations are sending a clear message: discrimination in housing has no place in Maryland.
In announcing the new MOU between Maryland REALTORS® and MCCR, Denise Lewis, 2026 President of Maryland REALTORS®, stated,
Maryland REALTORS® has never wavered in our commitment to fair housing, and we reaffirm this commitment by formalizing our relationship with MCCR, which has a similar agreement with the Maryland Real Estate Commission. Sharing information about violations of fair housing laws and Article 10 of the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics will create an efficient and holistic approach in our efforts to hold accountable those who discriminate against vulnerable people in housing. This agreement also includes exploring opportunities for education and outreach. Already, we are planning and look forward to hosting MCCR Executive Director Cleveland Horton at our Annual Conference this September.”
This partnership reflects a shared understanding that fair housing is not merely a legal obligation – it is a moral responsibility, an economic imperative, and a cornerstone of thriving communities.
Cleveland L. Horton II, Executive Director of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, offered the following statement,
Fair housing is not just about where someone lives – it is about whether we truly believe that dignity, opportunity, and justice belong to everyone. This agreement represents more than signatures on paper; it represents courage, leadership, and a collective refusal to stand idle while discrimination attempts to define the future of our communities.
Today, Maryland is sending a message to the nation: when institutions choose collaboration over silence, accountability over complacency, and action over rhetoric, real change becomes possible. We are challenging every housing professional, every leader, and every community stakeholder to move beyond compliance and embrace the deeper responsibility of ensuring that every Marylander has a fair chance to call somewhere home.”
The MOU will support joint efforts to identify patterns of discrimination, strengthen referral pathways, share relevant information consistent with applicable laws, and expand educational opportunities for housing professionals across the state.
As Maryland continues to confront both the historic and modern barriers that have denied too many individuals and families equal access to housing opportunities, this partnership serves as a powerful reminder that progress requires partnership, and justice requires action.
Together, Maryland REALTORS® and the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights are committed to building a Maryland where opportunity is not determined by race, disability, family status, source of income, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic – but by the promise of fairness, equity, and inclusion for all.