1. Introduction

These procedures apply to complaints filed under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, relating to any program and/or activity, including public-facing programs and services administered by Carroll County or its subrecipients, consultants, and/or contractors.

Intimidation or retaliation of any kind is prohibited by law. It is impermissible for a recipient or other person to intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title VI, or because the individual has made a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under the DHS regulation implementing Title VI (6 C.F.R. §21.11(e)). Any individual alleging such harassment or intimidation may file a separate complaint.

These procedures do not deny the right of the complainant to file formal complaints with other State or Federal agencies, or to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination. These procedures are part of an administrative process that does not provide for remedies that include punitive damages or compensatory remuneration for the complainant.

Every effort will be made to obtain early resolution of complaints at the lowest possible level. The option of informal mediation meeting(s) between the affected parties and the investigator may be utilized for resolution, at any stage of the process. Carroll County will make every effort to pursue a resolution of the complaint. Initial interviews with the complainant and the respondent will include requests for information

2. Filing a Complaint

Any person who believes they or any specific class of persons has been subjected to discrimination or retaliation prohibited by Civil Rights authorities, based upon race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), sex, age or religion may file a written complaint.  Complaints should be submitted to:

Carroll County Department of Human Resources     
Attention: Director                 
225 North Center Street
Westminster, Maryland 21157
Or

Discrimination.Complaint@carrollcountymd.gov     

Or

Discrimination Complaint Form        

A written complaint must be filed within 180 calendar days of the alleged occurrence or as soon as possible. The complaint must meet the following requirements:

  • Complaints must be in writing and signed by the complainant(s).
  • Complaints must include the name, address, and telephone number of each
  • Complaints must include the date of the alleged act(s) of discrimination or the date when the complainant(s) became aware of the alleged
  • Complaints must provide a detailed description of the issue(s), including name(s), title or description of the people who allegedly committed the offense.

3. Receipt and Acceptance of Complaint

Upon receipt of the complaint, Carroll County will determine its jurisdiction and any need for additional information. The complaint will be reviewed by the Director – Department of Human Resources (or designee) for a determination of acceptability.  If the complaint is determined to be an ADA complaint, the ADA Coordinator will handle the complaint according to that policy. Carroll County will notify the complainant, in writing, within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the complaint.

Carroll County will assume responsibility for investigating complaints against any of its subrecipients or contractors.

Complaints in which Carroll County is named as the Respondent shall be forwarded to the appropriate Federal agency in accordance with their procedures.

4. Dismissal of Complaint

A complaint may be recommended for dismissal for the following reasons:

  • The complainant requests withdrawal of the
  • The complainant fails to respond to three requests for additional information needed to process the
  • The complainant cannot be located after reasonable

5. Investigation of Complaint

In cases where Carroll County assumes responsibility for investigation, the County will provide the respondent with the opportunity to respond to the allegations in writing. The Director of the Carroll County Department of Human Resources will be responsible for investigating and evaluating the complaint, developing an investigative plan, conducting interviews, collecting, and analyzing evidence, and preparing an investigative report.

Carroll County’s final investigative report will be submitted to the Carroll County Attorney within 60 days of completion of the investigation. The Carroll County Attorney will issue a final decision and provide written notification of the decision to the complainant and respondent within 30 days of receipt of final investigative report.

  1. Record Retention

All written complaints received regarding discrimination complaints and responses will be retained by Carroll County Government for at least three years.

7. Appeals 

If the Carroll County Attorney concludes that the respondent is in compliance with laws/regulations and the complainant disagrees, the complainant may file with the appropriate state or federal agency including U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) at:

E-mail: CRCLCompliance@hq.dhs.gov
Fax: 202-401-4708
U.S. Mail:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Compliance Branch, Mail Stop #0190
2707 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., SE
Washington, D.C. 20528