Frederick County Human Relations Commission

We are excited to announce our Award Recipients!!!

🌟 Award Nominations Are Now OPEN! 🌟

The Frederick County Human Relations Commission is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Annual Human Rights Achievement Awards — honoring individuals, organizations, businesses, and youth who are making a powerful impact in our community.

Do you know someone who:
✨ Champions justice and inclusion
✨ Serves the community with integrity
✨ Advances human rights and equity
✨ Leads through service and compassion

Now is the time to recognize them.

🗓 Nomination Window: Now – February 10, 2026
📝 Submit a nomination here: https://forms.office.com/g/hKfyzzPqKi

Awards include:
• Theodore W. Stephens Lifetime Achievement Award
• Lord D. Nickens Community Service Award
• Human Relations Award
• Claire S. Knight Youth Achievement Award

Let’s honor the people doing the work that strengthens Frederick County.

Posting the statement below on behalf of the Frederick County Equity & Inclusion Commission:

June 23, 2025

THE FREDERICK COUNTY EQUITY AND INCLUSION COMMISSION’S RESPONSE TO THE ROLLBACK OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES AND PROTECTIONS

FREDERICK, MD – The Frederick County Equity and Inclusion Commission (EIC) serves as an advisory body to the County Executive, County Council, and the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer (CEIO). Our charge is to help identify issues, concerns, and needs of county residents to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and make recommendations as appropriate. Our work also includes coordinating with the Frederick County Human Relations Commission and other partners, contributing to the development of the county’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging strategic framework.

In recent months, there has been a troubling, coordinated effort to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at the federal level and within the private sector. These actions dismantle protections that are essential to ensuring fairness and opportunity for all people. Such regression threatens the social and economic well-being of communities nationwide, including Frederick County, and underscores the importance of remaining firm in our commitment to advancing equity and inclusion.

The EIC reaffirms its dedication to continuing to support efforts that raise awareness, engage the community, and celebrate the diversity that strengthens us. At this critical moment, we refuse to be silent while the progress that so many have fought to achieve is being progressively dismantled. The Frederick County Equity Inclusion Commission stands unwavering in its purpose: to defend, advance, and champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for every resident. Our commitment is not optional; it is essential to building a stronger, fairer future for Frederick County.

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May 20, 2025

HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION URGES THE FREDERICK COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION TO RETAIN AND AFFIRM BOARD POLICIES 443 AND 444

FREDERICK, MD - Since 1989, the Frederick County Human Relations Commission (HRC) has been dedicated to uniting against discrimination and promoting an environment that is tolerant, peaceful, and just. In our efforts to engage, educate, and empower the community on human relations topics or issues of concern, we release this statement.

On May 21, 2025, the Frederick County Board of Education (BOE) will begin discussing the retention of Policies 443 and 444. Policy 443 states, “The purpose of this policy is to prevent discrimination, stigmatization, harassment, and bullying of students who are transgender or who are gender nonconforming and to create school cultures that are safe, welcoming, and affirming for all students.”

Policy 444’s stated purpose is “To ensure that every relevant Board of Education (Board) policy, procedure, and practice provides educational equity; that students receive an education experience that prepares them for lifelong learning, the world of work, and full participation in representative government; that achievement is raised for all FCPS students while eliminating the predictability and disproportionality of which student groups occupy the highest and lowest achievement; and to ensure the recruitment, hiring, support, and retention of culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse administrative, instructional, and support personnel.”

It is our vision that everyone, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, s*x, age, gender identity, s*xual orientation, and disability, is accepted, valued, and respected. Furthermore, education is a fundamental right. We believe that all children in Frederick County should have the opportunity to receive a quality public education and the freedom to live authentically in a safe, welcoming school environment.

The Commission urges the BOE to retain and affirm Policies 443 and 444. These important Policies strengthen the integral holistic foundation for students’ success and empower them to thrive.

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