MCCR Secures Court Victory in Source of Income Discrimination Case to Improve Housing Justice in Maryland

 

May 2, 2025 MCCR SECURES COURT VICTORY IN SOURCE OF INCOME DISCRIMINATION CASE 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." Victim of Discrimination? Training & Partnerships HOME      ABOUT MCCR      SERVICES      PUBLICATIONS      EVENTS      PRESS      CONTACT US

Read the May 2, 2025 MCCR press release.

Read tMCCR's 2024 Annual Report.

Maryland Commission on Civil Rights

Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month 2022 

The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, (MCCR), and its Board of Commissioners regularly recognize special emphasis commemorations. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Hispanic and Latinx community. According to the census, 62.6 million of the United States identify as Hispanic or Latinx, making them the nation's largest racial or ethnic minority. In Maryland, Hispanic/Latinx make up 12 percent of the Maryland population and number around 744,000.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively.

During this Hispanic Heritage Month, MCCR encourages Marylanders to learn more about the culture and contributions the Hispanic/Latinx community have made in society.  Look for your local community events. To assist you in your search, below is a brief list of activities throughout Maryland:

• Prince Georges County Dept of Parks and Recreation Hispanic Heritage Month Calendar of Events
• Montgomery College Calendar of Events
• Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Kickoff (In Waldorf, MD)
• City of Mount Rainer's Latino Heritage Month Celebration
• Hispanic Business on BAM (Business, Advocacy and Mentorship)! Showcase
• 14thAnnual Latino Festival of Frederick, MD
• Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration and Presentation of Community Service Awards
• Hispanic Heritage Month: Hispanic Leadership Awards Dinner
• 3rddAnnual Latin Rhythms Festival

The MCCR and its Board of Commissioners are united in celebrating all cultures, and in resolving anti-discrimination through enforcement of the State's anti-discrimination laws, and through public outreach and education.

For information on MCCR, visit https://mccr.maryland.gov/

Maryland Commission on Civil Rights

The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) represents the interest of the State to ensure equal opportunity for all through enforcement of Title 20 of the State Government Article and Title 19 of the State Finance & Procurement Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.  MCCR investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and state contracts filed by members of protected classes under federal and state law.

U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)

The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) is the premier federal agency that focuses on expanding homeownership, increasing access to affordable housing, strengthening communities through economic development, fighting housing discrimination, and tackling homelessness issues.

Stay Connected with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights

 RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS WORKSHOP TO BE HELD

Religious Accommodations During The Jewish Holiday Season Virtual Presentation by:  Kara N. Hunt, Ph.D. Director of Education & Outreach  Featuring Panelist: Howard Libit, Executive Director of the Baltimore Jewish Council   Are you wondering how you could best support your staff and community as the Jewish holiday season approaches? Join MCCR Education & Outreach Director Kara N. Hunt, Ph.D., & Guest Speaker Baltimore Jewish Council Executive Director Howard Libit for a workshop on religious accommodations during the Jewish Holiday Season. This workshop will focus on the legal understanding of reasonable accommodation for religious beliefs and practices of an employee or prospective employee by an employer. This program will also provide an overview of Traditions and Religious Practices, strategies for Respect and Inclusivity, Key Terms and Best Practices.   Date and time:   Thursday, September 29, 2022  12pm-2pm EST Register Here via Eventbrite   For Reasonable Accommodation Requests please contact:  Renee Hickman at: Renee.Hickman@maryland.gov no later than one week prior to the event Victim of Discrimination? Training & Partnerships HOME      ABOUT MCCR      SERVICES      PUBLICATIONS      EVENTS      PRESS      CONTACT US

June 12, 2019

The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights is accepting applications for the Western Maryland Advisory Council MCCR is seeking leaders who are enthusiastic about promoting and improving civil and human rights in their communities to serve on MCCR's Western Maryland Advisory Council! CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION ONLINE TODAY Requirements for Membership Members must be at least 18 years old and reside within Frederick, Washington, Garrett, or Allegany counties. Members will be appointed as individuals and not as official representatives of organizations. One Member will be prioritized as a qualified applicant between the ages of 18 to 25. Members should be familiar with and supportive of MCCR’s mission, vision, and statutory jurisdiction. Objectives of the WMAC The objectives of the Western Maryland Advisory Council (WMAC) to MCCR are: To assist with the furtherance of the mission of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights To serve as a regional point-of-contact on issues within the area To increase public awareness of the services offered by MCCR as well as their protections under State law To build sustainable partnerships and connections to promote and improve civil and human rights statewide. In short, the WMAC will serve as the “eyes and ears” of the MCCR in the Western Maryland region (Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick counties) and assist in forming a stronger, strategic network of partners committed to civil and human rights in Maryland. What Can the WMAC Tackle? MCCR partners with leaders and organizations representing individuals from all walks of life in the interest of promoting equity, opportunity, and inclusion for all. If you want to be a part of a statewide effort to build bridges between people across races, ethnicities, incomes, religions, and generations, then MCCR wants to partner with you. Questions & Inquiries? Please contact Spencer Dove (Executive Associate) at 410-767-8576/spencer.dove@maryland.gov or Tara Taylor (Director of Education & Outreach) at 410-767-6459/taylor@maryland.gov.