Montgomery County's policy is to foster equal opportunity for all. The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights was established by law to help avoid and conciliate intergroup friction and to enforce human rights laws. Rights protected under the law cover employment, public accommodations, housing, and commercial real estate. The law also makes illegal discrimination that is based on race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, genetic status, family responsibilities, gender identity, and (in housing only) source of income and presence of children.

The Office of Human Rights investigates incidents of hate/violence and complaints of discrimination. Victims of hate/violence crimes can seek compensation for replacement of property through the County's Partnership Fund, administered by the Office of Human Rights.

The Montgomery County Committee Against Hate/Violence is a citizen's advisory group created to work with the Office of Human Rights. Its function is to help to educate the residents of Montgomery County about hate/violence, to recommend policies, programs, legislation, or other initiatives needed to decrease and eliminate hate/violence in the county, and to promote respect for social and cultural diversity

The Office of Human Rights also sponsors training to ensure fair housing opportunities and multicultural and interracial awareness. For more information, call (240) 777-8450; TDD/TTY (240) 777-8480.