Frederick County Human Relations Commission

We are honored to welcome Dr. Olivia White as our Keynote Speaker for this year’s HRC Annual Awards Banquet!
Dr. White brings a deep commitment to service and community, and we are thrilled to have such an inspiring voice join us for this special evening.
Help us celebrate her leadership and the incredible work happening in our community.
We can’t wait to hear her message!
https://www.velocitypayment.com/client/frederickcountymd/hrc/index.html

We are excited to announce our Award Recipients!!!

🏆 2026 Human Rights Achievement Awards

The Frederick County Human Relations Commission honors individuals and organizations who advance justice, equity, inclusion, and service across our community.

📝 Submit here: https://forms.office.com/g/hKfyzzPqKi
⏳ Nominations close February 10, 2026

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

If you know someone doing meaningful work in Frederick County — nominate them.

🌟 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.

Last night, a few of us served dinner at the Community Action Agency as part of our quarterly day of service activity to give back to our community. We thank the City of Frederick for their work and commitment to serving residents experiencing food insecurity.

L -R: Commissioners Isleib, Clayton, Lee, Shubin

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.

# # #

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.

# # #

We have vacancies on the HRC. Please consider applying. Click the link for more details. The filing deadline is Sunday, April 20.

Interested in getting involved in Frederick County? Consider joining a board or commission!

🔗 To learn more and apply online, visit https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/1518/Boards-Commissions.

🗓️ For best consideration, applications are due by midnight on Sunday, April 20.

❓Questions? Email [email protected].

13 March 2025

HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION’S STATEMENT ON THE DISMANTLING OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES AND PROTECTIONS

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.

Since late January 2025, there has been a systematic dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and protections at the federal level and in the business sector. The stripping of these long-standing policies and programs directly harms our community and society by eliminating equal opportunity access and protections for all.

We reaffirm our commitment to our mission to promote equal opportunity, human justice, and multiculturalism in Frederick County. 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.

We continue to support all individuals and groups in our community who are working towards a welcoming and inclusive Frederick County, and we are grateful for their dedication and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

# # #

2025 HUMAN RIGHTS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS

The Frederick County Human Relations Commission (HRC) is pleased to announce the selection of its 2025 Human Rights Achievement Award Winners.

The four awards listed below, along with the Student Excellence Awards to an outstanding student from several of the County’s public high schools, will be presented during a Celebration on Monday, 24 March 2025, from 6 PM – 8:30 PM, at Dutch’s Daughter, 581 Himes Avenue, Frederick.

Doors open at 6 PM for social time, Welcome Remarks, and buffet dinner at 6:45; the program starts immediately after. Times may slightly alter during the event. Tickets are $60 per person and may be purchased online via Velocity using the link below or by scanning the QR code.

We are also pleased that Keith R. Harris, Ed.D., Community Leader, will present the keynote address at this year’s event. Keith has various titles: educator, pastor, mentor, and agent of change, and holds multiple academic degrees. Keith is involved with various service organizations, including as the Board Chair of United Way of Frederick County and in leadership roles in the local chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Keith serves as a liaison on the FCPS Racial Equity Committee and a liaison on the HRC. Additionally, Keith is a Maryland State and internationally certified life, leadership, and executive coach.

We will honor the following award recipients:

Theodore W. Stephens Lifetime Achievement Award
Annette Breiling

Lord D. Nickens Community Service Award
Kennedi “Kiki” Wilson

Human Relations Award
Landmark Landscaping Inc.

Claire S. Knight Youth Achievement Award
Rachel Spencer

Please join us and help us congratulate our honorees and outstanding students. You may purchase tickets by scanning the QR code or visiting –
https://www.velocitypayment.com/client/frederickcountymd/hrc/index.html.

Our youth honorees receive a certificate, a $100 scholarship, and complimentary dinner for themselves and one parent or guardian. When purchasing your ticket, please consider sponsoring a youth also. Sponsorship options are on the ticket page. Any amount is appreciated. Sponsoring a youth without buying a ticket is also an option if you cannot attend but still wish to help support.

Please share this information to your friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbors who might be interested in knowing about these deserving award winners or supporting or attending this great event.

Individuals requiring special accommodations because of a disability or to receive English language clarification must contact the Frederick County Citizens Services Division at (301) 600-1410 or dial 711 for Maryland Relay Services to make arrangements no later than three (3) working days before the event.