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It is with profound sadness and reverence that we acknowledge the passing of President Jimmy Carter, a towering figure whose life was a testament to the ideals of equity, justice, and human dignity. As the 39th President of the United States, he not only led with unwavering integrity but also exemplified the moral courage required to advance the causes of fairness and equality in every corner of our nation and beyond.
President Carter’s legacy transcends his time in office. Through his relentless advocacy for human rights, his commitment to eradicating poverty, and his ceaseless pursuit of peace, he reminded us all of the power of leadership rooted in compassion and conviction. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center illuminated the transformative potential of service and inspired generations to believe in the possibility of a more equitable world.
At the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, we honor President Carter’s enduring commitment to civil rights and social justice. His leadership taught us that progress is neither easy nor guaranteed, it is the product of courage, perseverance, and an unyielding belief in the inherent worth of every individual. His life challenges us to continue dismantling barriers, uplifting marginalized voices, and fostering inclusive communities.
As we reflect on his extraordinary life, let us recommit ourselves to the values he championed. Let us strive to build a world where fairness prevails, where justice is accessible to all, and where humanity’s shared potential is realized.
President Jimmy Carter’s legacy will forever inspire us to dream bigger, fight harder, and lead with heart. May we honor his memory not only in words but in action, as we continue the vital work of creating a more just and equitable society.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Carter family and all who were touched by his remarkable life.
In the face of a rapidly shifting national landscape, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) remains steadfast in its mission to protect and promote the civil rights of all Marylanders. Recent executive orders issued by the current administration have created uncertainty and concern for many communities. Today, MCCR’s Executive Director, Cleveland L. Horton II, issued the following statement to reassure the People of Maryland that our State remains a beacon of equity, inclusion, and justice:
“At the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, our mandate is clear: to ensure that every individual, regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, disability, or any other protected class, is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness under the law. Recent federal executive actions have left many feeling vulnerable, threatened, and uncertain about the future of their rights. To those individuals, I want to make one thing abundantly clear — MCCR stands with you.
No executive order, no matter how sweeping, can erode the unshakable foundation of civil rights protections enshrined in our state laws and upheld by this agency. Marylanders should rest assured that MCCR is equipped, prepared, and resolved to challenge any attempts to undermine the progress we have fought so hard to achieve.
We recognize that these times are challenging, and many may feel powerless. But I assure you, your voice matters, your rights matter, and your humanity matters. MCCR will continue to champion the rights of every Marylander, ensuring that this great state remains a safe, welcoming, and equitable place for all who call it home.
To those who may feel silenced or forgotten: know that you are seen, you are heard, and you are valued. And to those who wish to divide us or turn back the clock on progress, let this serve as a reminder — we are united, resolute, and determined to protect the civil rights of everyone in Maryland.”
MCCR invites every Marylander to join us in this fight. Through education, advocacy, and enforcement, we will stand as a powerful force for good, ensuring that Maryland remains a leader in upholding the principles of fairness and equality for generations to come.
The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) proudly announces the appointment of Yolanda F. Sonnier as its new Deputy Director. A seasoned leader in the fight for equity and justice, Ms. Sonnier brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to advancing civil rights across the state.
Ms. Sonnier previously served as the Administrator for the Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity where she championed initiatives that empowered communities, dismantled systemic barriers, and fostered a culture of belonging. Her leadership has been instrumental in promoting policies that protect and uplift the most vulnerable among us.
"Yolanda Sonnier is a trailblazer whose passion and expertise will undoubtedly strengthen our mission at MCCR," said Executive Director Cleveland L. Horton II. "Her vision for a more just and inclusive Maryland aligns perfectly with our agency’s core values. We are thrilled to welcome her to our leadership team."
As Deputy Director, Mrs. Sonnier will play a pivotal role in shaping the Commission’s strategic initiatives, enhancing community engagement, and ensuring that MCCR remains at the forefront of the fight against discrimination. Her extensive background in civil rights enforcement, public policy, and community advocacy positions her as an invaluable asset to the organization and the people of Maryland.
Mrs. Sonnier’s appointment marks a new chapter in MCCR’s ongoing efforts to create a fairer, more just society. With her leadership, the Commission is poised to expand its impact and further its commitment to equity, belonging, and justice for all.
"I am honored to join MCCR in its mission to eliminate discrimination and advance equal opportunity for all, especially at a time when civil rights are under attack," said Mrs. Sonnier. "My commitment to civil rights is rooted in my deep belief in equity, justice, and human dignity. I look forward to collaborating with this dedicated team to drive meaningful change, amplify underrepresented voices, and continue to create a State of Maryland free of discrimination and inequities."
Commission Reaffirms Commitment to Accountability and Housing Equity Across Maryland
BALTIMORE, MD – The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) has secured a significant legal victory in the fight against housing discrimination with the final order issued on April 23, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Montgomery County in State of Maryland Commission on Civil Rights and Tonya Wood v. Cheryl Sawyers (Trustee) and Rachel Wilson. The court found the defendants liable for violating Maryland’s fair housing law on the basis of source of income, and has ordered both monetary penalties and broad injunctive relief to prevent future violations.
General Counsel Glendora C. Hughes said that the Office of the General Counsel brought this case after the defendants unlawfully discriminated against Ms. Tonya Wood by refusing her housing based solely on the source of her income. The court ordered the defendants to pay $6,000 in damages to Ms. Wood and $4,000 in civil penalties, in addition to requiring:
Mandatory fair housing training with specific focus on source of income discrimination
The inclusion of non-discrimination statements in all future rental advertisements
Ongoing reporting and compliance obligations for three years
A permanent injunction against discriminatory housing practices
The Assistant General Counsel Terrence J. Artis, who represented the Commission before the court, offered in reflection, “I am very pleased the Commission was able to vindicate the public interest in this case. The court made it clear this landlord or her agent is permanently prohibited from making or publishing any advertisement that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on source of income including section 8, and they must attend fair housing anti-discrimination training. The Commission was successful in sending a strong message to housing providers that source of income discrimination in housing will not be condoned.”
The victim and co-plaintiff in this case, Ms. Tonya Wood, stated in response to the decision, “This is a critical win for housing justice. Discrimination against Section 8 voucher holders disproportionately affects people of color, single mothers, seniors, and people with disabilities. The court’s decision reaffirms that everyone deserves a fair chance at safe and stable housing.” Ms. Wood was represented by attorney Omar V. Melehy who worked tirelessly with Assistant General Counsel to secure this victory for fair housing.
“This ruling is not just a legal victory – it is a moral one,” said Cleveland L. Horton II, Executive Director of MCCR. “When housing providers attempt to lock doors based on how someone pays, they are denying far more than shelter – they are denying dignity, equity, and opportunity. This case sends a clear message: there will be accountability in Maryland for those who discriminate.”
Why This Matters
While Maryland law clearly prohibits discrimination based on lawful source of income, including housing vouchers, disability income, and other legal benefits, such bias remains pervasive and often goes unchecked. MCCR has long warned that SOI discrimination disproportionately harms communities of color, women, people with disabilities, and low-income families, making it one of the most dangerous and subtle threats to housing justice in our time.
“Source of income discrimination is modern-day redlining,” said Horton. “It is dressed in polite excuses but fueled by the same old prejudices. As housing costs rise and economic inequality deepens, ensuring fair access to housing is not only a legal obligation – it is a moral and civic imperative.”
A Call to Action
MCCR calls on landlords, property managers, REALTORS®, and housing professionals across Maryland to take this ruling as a turning point. The law will be enforced. Excuses will not be tolerated.
But more than compliance, MCCR urges the housing industry to be leaders in justice – to not simply avoid discrimination, but to actively dismantle barriers that keep families out of stable housing.
“We must build a culture where equity is the standard, not the exception,” said Horton. “Accountability is how we honor the law. But intention is how we change lives.”
Following a joint investigation, MCCR and CRD reached a significant settlement with Habitat America, LLC and The Commons of Avalon TH, LLLP, stemming from allegations that tenants who used housing vouchers were subjected to higher rent increases than other tenants at a Frederick, Maryland apartment complex.
The investigation, backed by compelling evidence, found that this practice violated Maryland’s fair housing law, which includes strong protections against source of income discrimination.
Under the terms of the settlement, the housing providers have agreed to:
Reimburse affected households for excess rent paid
Pay up to $2,500 per household in additional damages
Pay $105,000 in civil penalties
Update internal policies and conduct fair housing training for staff
Submit regular reports on rental practices to MCCR and CRD
A Statement from Executive Director Cleveland L. Horton II
“This moment is about more than rent. It’s about respect, dignity, and justice. When we allow housing providers to penalize people for using vouchers – many of whom are seniors, single parents, people with disabilities, or workers simply trying to survive – we are endorsing a two-tiered system of access.
Let me be clear: Maryland law prohibits source of income discrimination. And under this administration, that law is not just words on paper - it’s a mandate we intend to enforce boldly, consistently, and unapologetically.
We are not just correcting bad behavior. We are setting a new expectation: Equity is not optional. Accountability is not negotiable. And justice is not delayed.”
This announcement reinforces the clear message that discrimination in housing – no matter how subtle, institutional, or normalized – will be met with full legal consequence.
The settlement comes amid rising reports of source of income discrimination across Maryland, especially against voucher holders. This follows a historic court victory last month in MCCR v. Sawyers & Wilson, where the Circuit Court for Montgomery County issued sweeping relief, penalties, and a public injunction
MCCR SECURES MAJOR CONCILIATION AGREEMENT WITH PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Commission Affirms Bold Enforcement Strategy Under New Leadership
BALTIMORE, MD – The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) has reached a landmark conciliation agreement with Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) following an investigation into allegations of sex discrimination. The legally binding agreement, signed on April 24, 2025, reflects the Commission’s uncompromising approach to enforcement and its commitment to accountability, transparency, and justice.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Cleveland L. Horton II, MCCR continues to redefine civil rights enforcement in Maryland – ensuring not only that violations are corrected, but that institutions are transformed.
“This agreement reflects more than a resolution – it represents a new standard,” said Horton. “We will not allow bureaucracy, status, or size to shield any public institution from accountability. Our message is clear: Injustice will be confronted, investigated, and corrected – no matter where it lives.”
Investigative Unit Supervisor Alesha Bell, who negotiated this conciliation agreement, added, “This agreement is a powerful reminder that every Marylander deserves to work in an environment free from discrimination. At MCCR, we are committed to ensuring that equity is not just a promise, but a practice and that employers are held to the highest standards of fairness and accountability.”
A Model for Bold Accountability
The agreement includes comprehensive commitments by PGCPS to address concerns raised through the complaint process and ensure future compliance with Maryland’s civil rights laws. While specific terms are confidential as allowed by law, MCCR confirms that the agreement includes:
$450,000 paid directly to the Complainant.
$50,000 submitted to the Civil Rights Enforcement Fund to aid ongoing efforts to promote and safeguard civil rights across the state by supporting activities that enhance public education, increase community outreach, and strengthen the investigation and resolution of civil rights complaints.
Corrective policy reforms
Monitoring and reporting to MCCR for transparency.
Commitments to equity-driven practice changes.
This agreement serves as a model for how public institutions should respond to civil rights complaints – not with defensiveness, but with determination to improve.
A New Era at MCCR
Under Horton’s leadership, MCCR has moved swiftly to:
Strengthen investigatory protocols
Pursue high-impact enforcement actions
Prioritize systemic change over symbolic compliance
MCCR is actively expanding its reach and deepening its standards across housing, employment, education, and public accommodations. No institution is beyond review. No violation is too small to matter.
“We are done asking politely for progress,” Horton said. “The era of passive enforcement is over. This is civil rights with teeth, with purpose, and with the urgency our communities deserve.”
Inspiration Through Action
This agreement demonstrates what is possible when institutions are willing to engage in honest reflection and bold reform. It is a victory not only for those directly impacted by the underlying complaint – but for every student, educator, and community member who depends on our public systems to operate with fairness and equity.
“Civil rights enforcement should not be feared – it should be welcomed. Because it is not about punishment – it is about people, and it’s about building systems worthy of the trust we place in them,” Horton added.
A Statewide Challenge
MCCR calls on every public agency, employer, housing provider, and educational institution in Maryland to take this agreement as both an example and a challenge:
Review your policies.
Examine your culture.
Root out bias.
Partner with MCCR to ensure justice is not aspirational – it is operational.
Because when equity is not enforced, injustice is enabled.
BALTIMORE, MD – As Maryland prepares to enter the vibrant and opportunityrich summer season, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) is issuing a powerful reminder to employers, educators, and program coordinators across the state: Maryland’s youth are entitled to the full protection of the law – on the job, in training programs, and in every opportunity they pursue.
Under Title 20 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, it is illegal to discriminate against individuals in employment based on their age. And as internships, apprenticeships, and summer employment surge in the coming weeks, MCCR is calling on employers to ensure that youth – particularly teens and young adults that are legally authorized to work – are not overlooked, undervalued, or mistreated because of their age.
“Too often, our young people are treated as expendable labor – given fewer opportunities, less respect, and little protection,” said Cleveland L. Horton II, Executive Director of MCCR. “But let me be clear: age discrimination is illegal, unacceptable, and corrosive to the future we claim to be building. When we fail to invest in youth, we fail to invest in justice.”
Building more than résumés
Summer employment isn’t just about making money, it’s about building confidence, gaining experience, and launching young people into a lifetime of opportunity. Whether it’s a first job at a local restaurant, a competitive internship in a state office, or hands-on experience through an apprenticeship program, every role matters. And so does the treatment our young workers receive.
“We want our youth to feel respected, safe, and valued – not just tolerated,” said Horton. “That means no age-based exclusions. No ‘you’re too young to matter’ mindset. No silent tolerance for disrespect or exploitation.”
A challenge to employers across Maryland
MCCR is challenging every employer – public and private – to ask themselves:
Are we creating equitable pathways for young workers to learn and grow?
Are our workplace policies and practices free of age-based bias?
Do we treat summer workers with the same dignity as full-time staff?
If the answer is no – or uncertain – now is the time to act.
“This is not just about compliance. It’s about character,” Horton said. “The way we treat our youngest workers reveals the values of our institutions and Maryland should be leading with fairness, integrity, and bold accountability.”
MCCR’s commitment
The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights investigates allegations of employment discrimination, and provides training and outreach to employers, educators, and communities across the state. As the summer season begins, MCCR will expand its efforts to ensure that all youth – regardless of age, race, gender, or background – receive the protection and opportunity they are guaranteed under the law.
“Let’s build a Maryland where our youth don’t just dream of equity – they experience it firsthand,” Horton concluded. “Let this summer be more than a season. Let it be a statement: That Maryland protects its future – starting with its young people.”
BALTIMORE, MD – Maryland Commission on Civil Rights Executive Director Cleveland L. Horton II and Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announce the publication of Know Your Rights: A Guide to Understanding and Protecting Your Rights (available in both English - PDF and Spanish - PDF ). This 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. “This Know Your Rights booklet, a testament to our joint commitment with the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, is more than just a guide; it is a call to action. It is a tool for empowerment, designed to equip every Marylander with the knowledge to understand, assert, and protect their fundamental civil rights. Let us collectively embrace this resource, not just as a defense against discrimination, but as a catalyst for creating a society where respect, integrity, and effective communication pave the way for true equity and opportunity for all.”
“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 MCCR (410-767-8600, [email protected], or Online Complaint Preliminary Questionnaire (PQ)) or the OAG’s CRD (Civil Rights Complaint Form).
About the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights
The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights is the State’s lead independent agency responsible for enforcing Maryland’s laws prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, state contracts, commercial leasing, and health services based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and physical or mental disability. In employment cases, discrimination based on genetic information is prohibited. In housing cases, discrimination based on familial status and source of income are also unlawful. In both employment and housing cases, discrimination based on military status is illegal. In addition to enforcement, MCCR serves individuals, businesses, and communities across the State through vigorous training and outreach initiatives led by the Education & Outreach Unit. MCCR is governed by a nine-member Commission appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Maryland Senate.
About the Civil Rights Division
On January 1, 2024, Attorney General Anthony G. Brown launched the Civil Rights Division of the Office of the Attorney General of Maryland. The Division was established to implement the authority given to the Attorney General by the General Assembly to enforce State, federal, and local anti-discrimination laws. This expanded authority is a first in Maryland history and allows the Office, alongside its partners, to protect Marylanders no matter their race, color, religion or creed, sex, age, ancestry or national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Civil Rights Division is staffed by a team of lawyers, investigators, and paralegals who investigate allegations of civil rights violations and pursue remedies, including changes to policies, practices, and procedures; restitution; and civil penalties. Claims brought by the Division are on behalf of the State of Maryland and will be designed to address discriminatory practices that affect or impact beyond an individual claimant. The Division does not have the authority to address civil rights violations by State or local governments or agencies.
BALTIMORE, MD – The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) proudly announces the release of its Source of Income Guidance, a pivotal resource designed to empower every Marylander about their right for fair and equal opportunity to secure housing – regardless of how they lawfully earn or receive their income.
This comprehensive guidance reaffirms Maryland’s commitment to dismantling barriers that perpetuate discrimination against individuals who rely on nontraditional income sources, including:
housing vouchers,
Social Security benefits,
supplemental security income (SSI),
disability benefits,
veteran’s assistance,
child support,
alimony, and
other lawful means.
By clarifying the rights of renters and the responsibilities of housing providers, MCCR takes a bold step forward in protecting the dignity, stability, and futures of countless families across our state.
“Housing is more than shelter, it is the foundation upon which we build strong families, stable communities, and thriving futures,” said Cleveland L. Horton II, Executive Director of MCCR. “With the release of this guidance, Maryland sends a clear and powerful message: no one should be denied a place to call home because of the way they pay for it. This is not just about compliance with the law, it is about doing what is right, just, and necessary for the progress of our state.”
The Source of Income Guidance serves as both an educational tool and a call to action. It equips landlords, property managers, tenants, advocates, and community leaders with the knowledge needed to uphold Maryland’s anti-discrimination protections, fostering a housing market that reflects fairness, inclusion, and respect for all.
Maryland’s fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on source of income, making it unlawful to refuse to rent or lease housing, impose different terms, or engage in other discriminatory practices because of how someone earns or receives their income. This guidance ensures that these protections are not merely words on paper but are actively realized in communities statewide.
MCCR calls on housing providers, advocates, and residents alike to use this guidance as a catalyst for change, ensuring that every Marylander can live free from discrimination and with full access to the opportunities that housing stability makes possible.
The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights condemns, in the strongest possible terms, all acts of political violence, including those connected to the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. While our ideologies and beliefs may differ, the sanctity of human life must always remain above division. We must never forget that every life has value.
As our nation pauses to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, we are reminded of the devastating consequences when hatred and violence are allowed to prevail. That day showed us the fragility of life and the urgent need to rise above anger and destruction. It also revealed the power of unity – how people of every background, belief, and community came together in the face of tragedy to affirm our shared humanity.
Our nation cannot afford to normalize hatred or excuse violence as a solution to our differences. Violence has never, and will never, be the answer to our divisions. Violence is not strength – it is weakness. It silences dialogue, destroys communities, and betrays the very principles of democracy and human dignity. It erodes the foundations of our democracy, diminishes our humanity, and undermines the progress we strive to build together.
We must do better. Each of us – whether in positions of leadership, influence, or simply as neighbors – carries a responsibility not only to reject rhetoric that dehumanizes others, but also to resist the urge to treat opponents as enemies. True courage is not found in anger or aggression; it is found in the hard work of listening, building understanding, and pursuing justice without resorting to harm.
In this moment, and in honor of the memory of those we lost on 9/11, we call on all people, regardless of political affiliation, background, or perspective, to recommit to the principles of respect, dignity, and peaceful engagement. Only by choosing dialogue over destruction and understanding over intolerance can we move forward as a stronger, more united community. If we are to honor life and strengthen the bonds of our shared humanity, then we must choose peace over violence, respect over contempt, and unity over division.
