February 11, 2019
Media Contact:
Scott L. Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY – Following a recommendation of his Transition Team, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today signed an Executive Order creating an Office of Human Rights Review Committee. The Office of Human Rights (OHR) is responsible for administering and enforcing provisions of the Howard County Human Rights Law, investigates complaints and attempts to eliminate violations by conference, conciliation and persuasion. To view the Executive Order, please visit https://bit.ly/2UR8p9V.
“I agree with the Transition Team’s conclusion that it’s time to thoroughly review the operation of OHR and review the existing investigation process,” said Ball. “This is an opportunity to identify ways we can strengthen the Office, so it becomes the gold standard for all local Civil Rights agencies.”
In 2017, OHR received 94 discrimination complaints, issued 51 findings, mediated 11 cases and negotiated $170,251 in case settlements. The majority of complaints involved allegations of employment and housing discrimination. Investigators responded to an additional 202 inquiries which did not become cases.
The Committee has three primary charges:
- Examine County Code provisions that govern the Office of Human Rights.
- Look at case sourcing and the investigation process in order to make a recommendation as to whether the current process is the most efficient and yields the most just results.
- Make recommendations on how the Office of Human Rights can function as model Civil Rights agency.
Ball named Candace Dodson-Reed to chair the Committee. In addition to Dodson-Reed, its members will include:
Brandon Barrett
Zainab Chaudry
Regina Clay
Ian Kennedy
Vivian Lawyer
Ying Matties
Gabe Moreno
Herb Smith
Sangeetha Struck
The Committee must issue its final report to Ball by March 15, 2019.
Ball today also appointed Janssen E. Evelyn as the Acting Administrator of the Office of Human Rights. Evelyn currently serves as Assistant Chief Administrative Officer for Howard County since 2017. Prior to assuming that position, Evelyn was an Assistant County Solicitor in the Office of Law, where he advised and represented various county departments and offices on issues related to personnel matters and labor and employment policy. Evelyn received his J.D. degree from Washington and Lee School of Law.
Evelyn succeeds Dr. Barbara Sands, who has served as OHR Administrator since February 2015. “I want to thank Dr. Sands for her contributions and years of service to our community,” said Ball.