WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County has approved an ordinance to create its first Human Relations Commission, a countywide body tasked with addressing discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
At a public meeting Wednesday, the Chester County Board of Commissioners voted two-to-one to adopt Human Relations Ordinance 2025-3. Commissioners Josh Maxwell and Marian Moskowitz supported the measure, while Commissioner Eric Roe opposed it.
The ordinance underscores the county’s commitment to equal opportunity, stating the Board’s intent to “assure equal opportunity for all persons concerning employment, housing, and public accommodations.”
Commissioners noted that while several municipalities already have local human relations ordinances, the countywide commission will ensure broader and consistent protections. “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 Board Chair Josh Maxwell.
Commissioner Marian Moskowitz added that the measure aims to provide residents with confidence that discriminatory actions will be addressed. “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,” she said.
The commission will be composed of seven to 13 volunteer members appointed by the commissioners. Eligible applicants include county residents, employees, and business owners. Members will serve three-year terms.
The decision aligns Chester County with other Pennsylvania counties pursuing similar measures, including Lehigh County, which has an established Human Relations Commission. Montgomery and Delaware counties are also in the process of creating their own commissions.
Applications to serve on the Chester County Human Relations Commission will be available on the county’s website, chesco.org, beginning September 26.
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