Description of requirements for this commission

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The Human Relations Commission receives, investigates, mediates, and conciliates complaints pursuant to Chapter 93 of the Township Code. The Commission may also conduct public hearings on complaints, issue subpoenas, issue findings, and make awards.

Membership: Seven residents of the Township. No member shall hold any office in any political party.

Term of Office: 3 years.

Meeting Time and Place: The meeting scheduled can be found below.

Department Liaison: Director of Human Resources

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. In order to ensure that all persons, regardless of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, handicap or disability, use of guide or support animals because of the blindness, deafness or physical handicap of the user or because the user is a handler or trainer of support or guide animals, or because of a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression enjoy the full benefits of citizenship and are afforded equal opportunities for employment, housing, commercial property, and the use of public accommodations, Ordinance 3931 was enacted by the Board of Commissioners.
2. The Human Relations Commission shall have jurisdiction over Unlawful Practices committed within the Township of Lower Merion.
3. The Commission receives, investigates, mediates, and conciliates complaints pursuant to Chapter 93 of the Township Code. The Commission may also conduct public hearings on complaints, issue subpoenas, issue findings, and make awards.

Established by: Ordinance 3931, adopted by the Board of Commissioners, December 8, 2010.

Pride Month 2023

During the month of June, "PRIDE" celebrations are held across the country. What started as a day to commemorate a major catalyst for the gay rights movement—the 1969 Stonewall Riots—is now a month of reflection, education, and celebration of the LGBTQ community.

LGBTQ pride is the promotion of the self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people (LGBTQ). Pride, as opposed to shame and social stigma, bolsters most LGBTQ rights movements. Pride has lent its name to LGBTQ-themed organizations, institutes, foundations, book titles, periodicals, and media outlets.  You will see the rainbow flags displayed this month in Suburban Square and in other areas of Lower Merion commemorating Pride month.

In Lower Merion we strive to be an inclusive community where everyone is treated with fairness and equality. To address the lack of federal and state laws to protect individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, the Lower Merion Human Relations Commission (LMHRC) enabled legislation to offer these protections in our Township.  This legislation was approved in 2010.  Since then, the LMHRC has worked to educate citizens and promote to compliance with the Township’s non-discrimination laws.

Lower Merion recognizes, values and supports that LGBTQ individuals are a critical part of our community, and include our business owners, educators, leaders, healers, neighbors and family members.  We encourage everyone in the Township to come together in support of our LGBTQ community during Pride Month and thereafter. 

Statement of Solidarity with the AAPI Community

The Lower Merion Human Relations Commission (LMHRC) extends its special condolences to the families and friends of the six women of Asian descent who were murdered in Georgia on March 16 and condemns all acts of hatred against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.  

The Commission is aware of an escalation in Anti-Asian discrimination within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States.  Assaults have been aimed at the most vulnerable: women and the elderly, but all are at risk of verbal and physical assault and even murder.  Members of the Asian business community have also been terrorized with criminal and violent acts. 

Anti-Asian racism is connected to a broader system of entrenched racism which has benefited from divisions between communities of color, and tends to worsen during periods of great tension when the community’s insecurity, fears and anxiety are on the rise. We must work together and find collaborative solutions to dismantle this system.  We must stand against all racial intolerance and discrimination, recognizing our common humanity, and demonstrate the solidarity needed to make our Township a place of love and acceptance. 

The LMHRC was formed in 2010 to fight discrimination of all types in order to make Lower Merion a welcoming and inclusive community.  Commission mediation services are available free of charge to Township residents with claims of discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, use of guide or support animals because of the blindness, deafness or physical or mental disability of the user or because the user is a handler or trainer of support or guide animals, or because of a person's sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression..  Contact: 610-645-6120.

HRC LMTV Programs:

https://lmtv.viebit.com/?folder=The%20HRC%20Show

• Human Relations Commission Brochure (12/28/2018)
• Human Relations Commission
• Human Relations Commission -  Rules & Regulations 
• Complaint Form
• Answer Form

Human Relations Commission Email Listing:

Click here to subscribe to the Human Relations Commission Email Listing.  On the E-Subscription Signup page, select "Human Relations Commission" under Advisory Board Meetings.

Subject to later notice of change of time and location, Human Relations Commission meetings will be held starting at 7:00 PM on the following dates: