Equity and Human Rights

The Office of Equity and Human Rights provides leadership in the development of policies, programs, and procedures that ensure compliance with federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws, and integrates diversity, access, and inclusion into county operations. We are a partner and resource for all departments as they work to improve access and inclusion countywide.


Asha Smith
Director, Office of Equity and Human Rights

Anne Arundel County government prohibits discrimination against employees, and applicants for employment, on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, genetic information, veteran’s status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state employment laws. (Policy K-01).

In accordance with the County’s Employee Relations Manual, employees, or applicants for employment, who have concerns about workplace discrimination or harassment should report their concerns to the Asha Smith, Director, Office of Equity and Human Rights.


How do I know if I am being discriminated against or harassed?
You should report your concerns if you believe you are being treated unfairly because of your gender, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, genetic information, veteran’s status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state employment laws.

What if I feel I am being treated unfairly, but I don’t think it’s because of my protected characteristics?
You should contact the Department of Personnel for further assistance.

Where can I find out more about workplace discrimination and harassment?

Residents and other parties who feel that they have been subjected to any of the following treatment because of their protected characteristics, should report their concerns to Asha Smith, Director, Office of Equity and Human Rights:

  • excluded from participation in County programs and activities
  • denied the benefits of County programs and activities, or
  • subjected to discrimination under any program or activity

The Anne Arundel County Code prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship, color, creed, disability, familial status, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, occupation, race, religions, sex, sexual orientation, or source of income in such a way that the person is adversely affected in the area of housing.

The law authorizes the County's Human Relations Commission to receive and address fair housing complaints, in accordance with procedures outlined in Article 3, Title 5A. Asha Smith, Director, Office of Equity and Human Rights, serves as an ex-officio member of the Commission, and can be contacted with questions about fair housing.

File a Complaint