Baltimore County commission finalizes plans for May 15 symposium on inclusion; panel topics, registration and security discussed
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Summary
Commissioners reviewed flyer designs, confirmed a target May 15 symposium with panels on housing, workplace discrimination and identity inclusion, discussed registration limits and security needs, and agreed staff will pursue county assistance for printing and event security while promotions begin April 1.
The Baltimore County Human Relations Commission used much of its March meeting to finalize planning for a public symposium on May 15 focused on inclusion and discrimination, approving a flyer design and discussing logistics including capacity, registration, panel topics and security.
Commission organizers presented two draft flyers and commissioners generally endorsed the blue design as better suited for educational outreach. Commissioners asked that the materials include a registration link (Eventbrite/QR code), a clear note on capacity and language indicating the event is free but advance registration is required. Chair noted the county could assist with duplication of brochures if the commission’s budget is approved by county council.
Why it matters: The symposium is intended to convene panels and partners on housing and lending equity, workplace discrimination, public accommodations and identity/inclusion to provide resources and education for residents and county employees.
On logistics, commissioners cited the host venue’s estimated capacity (about 250–270) and agreed to require registration to control attendance. Security for immigrant and other vulnerable communities emerged as a priority; the commission identified a county point of contact for event safety and said it would request sheriff or police support if appropriate.
Panel planning: Organizers proposed three core panels (housing and lending equity; workplace discrimination; public accommodations and identity inclusion) plus a vendor area where county and community organizations could distribute resources. Commissioners discussed adding an extra panel if time and budget allow, and agreed to recruit panelists from civil-rights groups, county agencies and community partners such as the ACLU.
Budget and catering: The commission’s $4,000 budget remains subject to the county-budget process; commissioners discussed low-cost catering (donated bagels, boxed lunches or Meals on Wheels vendors) to ensure attendees are not excluded by cost. Staff said promotion should start April 1 and a commissioner will serve as the liaison to staff for follow-up to comply with open-meetings rules.
Next steps: Staff will circulate the final flyer within a week for commissioner distribution; the commission will invite the county executive and county administrative officer to provide welcome remarks, and continue outreach to partner organizations and other county commissions ahead of the May 15 event.
