Online Discrimination Complaint Tool Launched By Montgomery County

NORRISTOWN, PA — The best laid bureaucracies can often befuddle the most earnest attempts at justice.

In an effort to streamline the submission of complaints over discrimination, Montgomery County has created a new online tool. Residents who face persecution in housing, employment, or public accommodation can now easily notify the government.

Commissioner Jamila Winder said that residents should not have to face a "complex system."

“Now there is a clear, local path for people to be heard. In Montgomery County, we are committed to fairness and protecting the dignity of every resident," Winder said.

The new reporting portal was created by the Montgomery County Human Relations Commission.

The discrimination complaint form tool is linked here.

All complaints are reviewed by the Montgomery County Solicitor’s Office within 60 days and determine if it has jurisdiction over that specific issue. If they do, they will invite parties to participate in a mediation effort.

In certain cases, the commission will refer cases to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

"If the Commission determines that unlawful discrimination occurred, it may order corrective action, compensation, reasonable accommodations, or other remedies allowed under state law," the county said.

Final orders issued by the Commission can be appealed to the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas.

Montgomery County is the first non-home rule county in the state to establish its own Human Relations Commission, focused on handling discrimination issues. It's run by a eight-member volunteer board.