The fate of affirmative action has officially been decided, with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling against the use of race in college admissions – deeming the admissions programs at both Harvard University in Massachusetts and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill unconstitutional. 

The Supreme Court says colleges and universities can no longer take race into consideration as a specific basis for granting admission, a landmark decision overturning long-standing precedent that has benefited Black and Latino students in higher education. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the opinion for the conservative majority, saying the Harvard and University of North Carolina admissions programs violated the Equal Protection Clause because they failed to offer “measurable” objectives to justify the use of race. He said the programs involve racial stereotyping and had no specific end point. 

We, at MCCR, consider this to be a significant blow to diversity and inclusion and an absolute step backwards in the promotion of equity and opportunity for those who have most often been marginalized and excluded. Our nation’s future as a thriving multiracial democracy depends on students having the freedom and opportunity to learn, work together, and understand what unites us. The American Council on Education is quoted as saying: 

We believe that the education of virtually all students is enhanced in campus settings where the diversity of our society is represented. For many students, higher education represents the first and best chance to learn from diverse peers. In an increasingly interdependent global economy and society, America will suffer if its citizens are not prepared to live and work in multicultural settings. 

This decision against affirmative action is counter to our nation’s history, diminishing the lived experiences of people of color. This decision limits the ability of some Americans to equal access and perpetuates underrepresentation. The impact is not limited to education, but to meaningful participation in professional and leadership roles across society. Consistent with the ruling to suppress and limit women’s reproductive rights, and similar to the banning of books by Black and LGBTQ authors from school curricula, this is an ongoing attempt to undermine hard fought gains in the area of civil rights protections and to simply turn back the clock to a time of state sanctioned oppression.

The Supreme Court’s decision does not change the responsibility of colleges and universities to increase educational opportunities for students of color. The Supreme Court’s majority opinion claims that the court was not expressly overturning prior cases authorizing race-based affirmative action and suggested that how race has affected an applicant’s life can still be part of how their application is considered. MCCR encourages colleges and universities, (students, faculty and alumni) to discuss race and to include applicants lived experiences into the college admissions process. This abhorrent decision should not prevent colleges and universities from inquiring about these experiences in relation to their university’s missions.

As the enforcement agency of Maryland’s civil rights laws, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights will continue to fight these and all other regressive civil rights policies. We are bolstered by our foundational commitment to opportunity, equity and inclusion.

The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights echoes Governor Moore’s and Lt. Governor Miller’s call for Marylanders to stand together in community against hate and discrimination, which can be found HERE. Across Maryland, our families, friends, and neighbors have been impacted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the rise in hate and discrimination that has followed. Hate should not and cannot be tolerated. MCCR, driven by its Core Values, calls for respect of all Marylanders. 

MCCR’s mission is to ensure opportunity for all through enforcement of Maryland’s law against discrimination to achieve its vision of a State that free from any trace of unlawful discrimination. MCCR is available to assist those individuals who feel as though they have been discriminated against in the areas of Employment, Housing, Public Accommodations, State Contracts, Commercial Leasing and in the provision of medical services at hospitals or related institutions.

The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) and the MD State Commission of Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management Companies, and Home Inspectors (SCREA et.al.) announced an interagency cooperation regarding fair housing issues and complaints as they relate to real estate appraisals. The main goal of this agreement is to better enforce Title 20, Subtitle 7 of the Annotated Code of Maryland as it pertains to appraisal bias. 

Recent research suggests that there are racial and ethnic differences in home valuations. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s 2021 appraisal statistics, 23.3% of homes in high minority tracts (80.1-100%) experienced undervaluation. This is compared to 13.4% of homes in White tracts (0-50%) and 19.2% in minority tracts (50.1-80%). Bias plays a major factor in this statistic. While home appraisals are supposed to be independent, fair and objective estimates of market value so lenders can accurately evaluate risk, the results depend upon the appraiser’s expertise and familiarity with the neighborhood. The appraisal industry remains one of the country’s least diverse professions; 98 percent of appraisers are White, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

“This is one of the major economic barriers that prohibit people of color from gaining generational wealth,” said Cleveland L Horton, II, Deputy Executive Director of MCCR. “By MCCR and SCREA et.al. formally working together, we can improve the appraisal process and create an equitable system that can be used to lift all Marylanders up the proverbial economic ladder.” 

A formal memorandum of understanding solidifying this interagency cooperation between MCCR and SCREA will be signed on February 26th @ 10 a.m. in MCCR’s headquarters (6 St Paul Street, Suite 900, Baltimore MD 21202.)

The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights extends its heartfelt condolences to all those affected by the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. In the wake of this devastating event, however, we are disheartened to witness the exploitation of this tragedy as a platform for misguided attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). 

Senator Charles Sydnor of Baltimore County recently addressed the distressing trend of racism and politicization surrounding the bridge's collapse. Amid a deluge of social media posts, including those by Utah Republican State Representative Phil Lyman and misleading remarks by Fox Business Anchor Maria Bartiromo, the scapegoating of DEI principles has become disturbingly prevalent. 

This assault on DEI represents a troubling escalation in a broader campaign against progress. It began with attempts to undermine government efforts to address racism and sexism through training programs, followed by censorship efforts targeting literature reflecting the experiences of BIPOC and LGBTQ communities. Shockingly, as reported by the ACLU, 65 bills were introduced in 2023 alone across 25 states and the U.S. Congress aimed at restricting DEI in higher education, with eight such bills becoming law. 

Now, the tragic events surrounding the Key Bridge collapse are being cynically weaponized to further assail DEI. However, it is essential to recognize that DEI initiatives are not about divisive labels but rather about dismantling entrenched systems of oppression and fostering inclusive communities. As Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott poignantly noted, the immigrant workers who perished in the collapse epitomized the American dream, diligently maintaining infrastructure for the benefit of all. 

In times of tragedy, it is imperative to reject the derogatory misuse of DEI terminology, which only serves to perpetuate discrimination and hinder progress toward a more just society. DEI efforts are crucial for promoting fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for all members of society. Any attempt to disparage DEI undermines these fundamental principles and obstructs our collective journey toward genuine equity and inclusion.

Once again, we extend our deepest sympathies to the families and victims impacted by this disaster. Let us honor their memory by reaffirming our commitment to DEI and the pursuit of a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) and the MD State Commission of Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management Companies, and Home Inspectors (SCREA et.al.) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding, (MOU) regarding fair housing issues. Specifically, this MOU allows MCCR to receive and investigate complaints directly from SCREA as it pertains to discrimination in housing appraisal. 

Recent research suggests that there are racial and ethnic differences in home valuations. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s 2021 appraisal statistics, 23.3% of homes in high minority tracts (80.1-100%) experienced undervaluation. This is compared to 13.4% of homes in White tracts (0-50%) and 19.2% in minority tracts (50.1-80%). 

“This MOU will allow us to receive complaints directly from SCREA as it pertains to discrimination in housing appraisals,” said Cleveland L Horton, II, Deputy Director of MCCR. “This small but significant step will allow MCCR to continue to expand our efforts to eradicate housing discrimination and remove a major economic barrier that prohibit people of color from gaining generational wealth.” 

For more information about the MOU between MCCR and SCREA, or for more information about housing appraisal discrimination, call MCCR at 410-767-8576.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore today announced the appointment of Cleveland L. Horton II as interim director for the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. His appointment follows the retirement of the former executive director, Alvin O. Gillard, after nearly a decade of service. 

“We must do everything in our power to defend the precious rights that past generations fought for — and current and future generations deserve,” said Gov. Moore. “I thank Alvin O. Gillard for his service to the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights for the past ten years, and I thank Cleveland L. Horton II for raising his hand to serve. Under his leadership, we will continue to safeguard the freedom and dignity of all Marylanders.” 

The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights ensures opportunity for all Marylanders through the enforcement of Maryland’s laws against discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and state contracts. The commission also provides educational outreach services and promotes and improves civil rights in Maryland through respect, integrity, and effective communication. 

Cleveland L. Horton II brings more than 15 years of experience with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights to his role as interim director, having most recently served as deputy director. Horton is an employment law compliance and equal employment opportunity regulations expert with extensive knowledge regarding the historical impact of state policies and procedures on all communities. 

Horton earned an associate’s degree from the Community College of Baltimore County and bachelor’s degree and MBA from the University of Baltimore. He is a member of the Coalition Opposed to Violence and Extremism, he serves on the Maryland Advisory Council on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and he is committed to serving and protecting the rights of all Marylanders. 

A search is underway for a permanent executive director of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed an executive order Monday pardoning 175,000 misdemeanor cannabis-related convictions, forgiving low-level convictions for a drug that is now legal in Maryland for use by those over age 21. The pardons come almost two years after state voters approved a 2022 ballot referendum to allow possession and use of small amounts of cannabis by those over age 21. 

"We cannot celebrate the benefits of legalization if we do not address the consequences of criminalization," Moore said. "That rollout (of legalization) must go hand in hand with pardoning past conduct, and Maryland is going to lead by example." 

“The Maryland Commission of Civil Rights fully supports this bold action by Governor Moore,” said Cleveland L Horton II, Acting Executive Director of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. “The enforcement of cannabis laws has not been colorblind; it’s been unequal treatment under the law.” According to a racial equity impact note - PDF for the 2022 cannabis referendum, Blacks were twice as likely to be arrested for marijuana possession as other groups in the state. Blacks accounted for 59% of those arrested for marijuana possession in 2020, compared to about 39% for whites. “This is a much need action of addressing how the drug war has disproportionately harmed marginalized Black and brown communities,” said Acting Executive Director Horton. 

Those who want to check the status of their records can do so at Maryland Case Search, the state judiciary’s online repository for electronic court records, or by visiting the courthouse where the conviction occurred and speaking to a clerk.

Maryland Commission on Civil Rights is proud to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Passage of Civil Rights Act. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a historic civil rights and labor law that outlawed discrimination based on color, national origin, race, religion, or sex. 

“This transformative legislation has stood as a pillar of our Democracy, helping move our nation closer to our founding promise of liberty and justice for all.” said Acting Executive Director Cleveland L Horton. 

Acting Director Horton also stated the United States and the State of Maryland still have much more work to do before we reach that dream of total equality. “While we celebrate these significant gains, we also recognize the need for diligence and the ongoing commitment to maintain civil rights protections already won,” he said. “Over recent years, we have seen a continuing effort to chip away at civil rights protections nationally. From the Supreme Court gutting of key provisions in the Voting Rights Act to the overt attack against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we must continue to remain vigilant in our fight for Civil Rights.” 

To commemorate this historic moment, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, will host a luncheon honoring this historic legislation on October 22nd at the Doubletree by the Hilton in Linthicum Heights. For more information, visit https://mccr.maryland.gov/Pages/Events.aspx

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore today announced Cleveland L. Horton II's appointment as Executive Director of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. Mr. Horton has been serving as Acting Executive Director for the past four months, and today, Gov Moore made the appointment official. 

"Maryland is grateful for the distinguished service of Cleveland L. Horton II over the last four months, during a period of transition for the Commission on Civil Rights. His continued leadership at the helm of this critical agency will advance our mission to safeguard the rights of all Marylanders," said Gov. Moore. "Cleveland is a true public servant in every sense of that phrase, and our state will be better because of his partnership in the work. I thank the commission for the important role they played in ensuring the agency is led by such a passionate and capable professional." 

Cleveland L. Horton II brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to protecting civil rights. Horton has worked with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights for more than 15 years, including serving as deputy director for 11 years. He is an employment law compliance and equal employment opportunity regulations expert with extensive knowledge regarding the historical impact of state policies and procedures on all communities. 

“I am deeply honored and humbled to serve as the Executive Director of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights," said Cleveland L. Horton II. “As I accept this great responsibility, I am fully aware that I am here because many before me paved the way. I stand upon the shoulders of giants. The only way to repay those who sacrificed so much for civil rights is to continue their work and push forward and bring about a world free from discrimination. As Executive Director, I am committed to advancing equity, justice, and inclusion across our state. I look forward to working with our communities, leaders, and partners to build a more just and equitable Maryland for all."

BALTIMORE, MD – In a landmark moment for accessibility and inclusion, The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) proudly announces the successful resolution of an accessibility case at White Marsh Mall, highlighting a powerful commitment to equal access for all patrons. 

In 2019, a mall visitor seeking access to the food court discovered that parking spaces designated for people with disabilities had been replaced by electric vehicle charging stations, forcing her to navigate over 100 feet from the nearest reserved space. Moved to action, she reached out to MCCR, initiating a journey of courage, collaboration, and ultimately, change. 

Guided by MCCR’s Advanced Lead Investigator Ryan Murray, the Commission conducted a thorough investigation, issuing a finding of Probable Cause and opening the door to impactful conversations. Through understanding and empathy, White Marsh Mall agreed to reinstate accessible parking close to the food court and to address additional barriers, ensuring a welcoming environment for all visitors. 

“This successful conciliation is more than a solution; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, advocacy, and a respect for all Marylanders,” said Cleveland L. Horton II, Executive Director of MCCR. “Accessibility is not just a compliance issue; it is a reflection of our commitment to equity and inclusion. By working together, we’re building a state where every resident and visitor can fully participate in public life without barriers.” 

Lead Investigator Ryan Murray, who played a pivotal role in this case, expressed admiration for everyone involved. “I am grateful for the courage of the Complainant, who spoke up not only for herself, but for the countless others who may face similar challenges. Her actions demonstrate the importance of standing up for accessibility and inclusivity.” 

This resolution represents Maryland’s dedication to creating spaces that honor the diversity and dignity of all its residents. MCCR remains steadfast in our mission to make Maryland a place free of any unlawful discrimination, where everyone feels they belong.