St. Mary’s County Renews Push For Equal Housing Access During Fair Housing Month

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — St. Mary’s County Commissioners officially recognized April 2026 as Fair Housing Month during their meeting Tuesday, reaffirming a commitment to equal access to housing and the continued fight against discrimination.

Commissioner Mike Alderson presented the proclamation, highlighting the historical significance of the federal Fair Housing Act and the importance of ongoing local efforts.

“Whereas April marks the anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which increases housing choices for all Americans without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability, and to encourage fair housing opportunities for all citizens,” Alderson read.

The proclamation also recognized Maryland’s role in expanding protections. “Whereas the Maryland Fair Housing Law was first enacted in 1971 … which adds marital status and sexual orientation as protected classes,” he said.

Alderson emphasized that while laws exist, continued vigilance is necessary to ensure fairness in housing practices.

“Whereas local efforts are vital to promote fair housing and to expand opportunities and choices for all. And whereas illegal barriers to equal opportunity in housing, no matter how subtle, diminish the rights of all,” he said, adding that “ongoing educational outreach and monitoring are key to raising awareness of fair housing principles, practices, rights, and responsibilities.”

The commissioners then formally declared the designation.

“Now, therefore, we, the commissioners of St. Mary’s County, do hereby proclaim April 2026 as Fair Housing Month,” Alderson said, encouraging residents “to abide by the letter and spirit of fair housing laws.”

Following the proclamation, representatives from the Housing Authority of St. Mary’s County spoke about their role in upholding these principles.

“Fair housing is a fundamental responsibility of the housing authority in administering the Housing Choice Voucher Program,” said Melissa Sandy of the Housing Authority of St. Mary’s County.

Sandy explained that their work focuses on ensuring equal access to housing opportunities for all residents.

“[It] ensures all individuals and families have equal access to safe, affordable housing without discrimination,” she said. “Our role is to apply program policies consistently, provide reasonable accommodations when needed, and expand housing opportunities across all communities within St. Mary’s County, while actively working to eliminate barriers and promote equity and housing access.”

She was joined by colleague Hannah Kurst, who also represents the Housing Authority.

The proclamation serves as a reminder that fair housing is not only a legal obligation but a shared community responsibility, with local agencies continuing to lead efforts in education, outreach, and enforcement to ensure all residents have access to safe and equitable housing opportunities.

What The Fair Housing Act Did

The Fair Housing Act, passed in 1968 as part of the broader Civil Rights Movement, was designed to eliminate discrimination in housing across the United States.

The law made it illegal to refuse to sell, rent, or negotiate housing based on a person’s race, color, religion, or national origin. Later amendments expanded those protections to include sex, disability, and familial status, ensuring broader protections for individuals and families.

Beyond banning discrimination, the act also aimed to promote integration and equal access to housing opportunities, addressing long-standing inequities that had limited where people could live. It established enforcement mechanisms at the federal level, including oversight by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to investigate complaints and hold violators accountable.

Today, the Fair Housing Act remains a cornerstone of civil rights law, continuing to shape policies and local efforts, like those in St. Mary’s County, to ensure that all residents have access to safe, affordable housing without discrimination.

You can watch the proclamation below at 2:20.

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