On July 21, 2025, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) Executive Director Cleveland L. Horton, II, announced the release of “Know Your Rights: A Guide to Understanding and Protecting Your Rights.” The 37-page Maryland civil rights guide, available in English and Spanish, provides critical information on protections against discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, health services, and schools. It also addresses rights for persons with disabilities, immigrants, those with limited English proficiency, the LGBTQIA+ community, and all Marylanders’ freedom from hate crimes.
Drafted by the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division and MCCR, the Maryland civil rights guide combats misinformation sparked by federal policy changes that have caused confusion about legal redress for discrimination. Maryland’s robust anti-discrimination laws, alongside many federal provisions, remain in effect, ensuring protections based on race, color, religion, sex, age, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The guide serves as a tool to help Marylanders understand their legal rights and obligations.
Attorney General Brown emphasized the guide’s importance, stating, “As federal policies shift, many Marylanders fear losing the rights that protect them and their families. This guidance makes it clear: no Executive Order can erase the state and federal laws that ensure equal access to housing, jobs, and education.” He highlighted its role in empowering diverse communities, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and immigrants.
MCCR Executive Director Horton added, “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.” He described it as a catalyst for creating a society rooted in equity and opportunity, equipping residents to assert their fundamental rights.
The Maryland civil rights guide is available online at the Attorney General’s website . Residents who believe their rights have been violated can file complaints through the Civil Rights Division’s online Civil Rights Complaint Form or contact MCCR at 410-767-8600, mccr@maryland.gov, or via the Online Complaint Preliminary Questionnaire. These channels provide direct avenues for seeking redress.
Civil Rights Division Role
Launched on January 1, 2024, the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division enforces state, federal, and local anti-discrimination laws, a historic first for Maryland. Staffed by lawyers, investigators, and paralegals, it investigates violations and pursues remedies like policy changes, restitution, and civil penalties. The division addresses discriminatory practices impacting communities but cannot handle violations by state or local governments. This authority strengthens Maryland’s ability to protect its diverse population.
Maryland, with over 6 million residents, is a diverse state facing challenges in ensuring equitable treatment. Federal policy shifts have raised concerns about weakened civil rights protections, making the Maryland civil rights guide a timely resource. It builds on the state’s commitment to robust anti-discrimination laws, ensuring equal access to essential services. The guide’s availability in Spanish enhances inclusivity, addressing the needs of immigrants and those with limited English proficiency.
The Maryland civil rights guide aligns with efforts to strengthen enforcement through the Civil Rights Division. By clarifying protections against hate crimes and discrimination in key areas, it empowers residents to navigate their legal rights. As misinformation spreads, this resource is vital for fostering equity and opportunity across Maryland’s communities.
The release of the Maryland civil rights guide on July 21, 2025, marks a significant step in protecting residents’ rights amid federal policy uncertainties. By providing clear, accessible information, the guide empowers Marylanders to assert their protections in housing, employment, education, and beyond. Residents are encouraged to access the guide online and use the provided contact options to report violations, ensuring Maryland remains a beacon of justice and equity.
