Chester County has taken a definitive step towards addressing discrimination with the creation of its first Human Relations Commission. The announcement came during the latest public meeting of the County's Board of Commissioners, where they discussed and voted on the new Chester County Human Relations Ordinance 2025-3. Adopted with a two-to-one majority, Commissioners Josh Maxwell and Marian Moskowitz showed their support while Commissioner Eric Roe opposed the move.
The ordinance is geared towards promoting equal opportunities within the realms of employment, housing, and public accommodations throughout Chester County. As noted by official statements, it supplements local efforts, offering a consistent county-wide approach to combat discrimination and provides a mechanism for residents to address grievances not covered by municipal ordinances or bodies.
"Some municipalities in Chester County have adopted their own local human relations ordinances and established their own commissions. This Ordinance supports and supplements those local efforts by ensuring consistent, county-wide non-discrimination protections and offering a forum to resolve complaints not covered by existing municipal ordinances or commissions," said Chester County Commissioners' Chair Josh Maxwell, as described in the statement reported by the county's announcement.
Commissioner Marian Moskowitz echoed the commitment to county residents, emphasizing the importance of such an ordinance. "As commissioners, our responsibility is to ensure that everyone in Chester County knows they are valued and protected," Moskowitz told the Chester County news release. "While no one should ever have to experience discrimination, this ordinance gives residents the assurance that if it does happen, there is a fair process and a place to turn. It is about dignity, safety, and respect — values that define our community."
The process has now commenced to establish the commission, which will be comprised of seven to 13 volunteer members appointed by the County Commissioners. Applications for the Human Relations Commission, open to residents, workers, or business owners in Chester County, will be accepted starting tomorrow, September 26. The new commission aligns with similar actions taken by other Pennsylvania counties in their efforts to establish localized mechanisms for human relations and anti-discrimination efforts.
For residents interested in applying or seeking more information on the Human Relations Commission, details are available on the Chester County website.
