Delaware County Council voted unanimously during the September 17 County Council Regular Public meeting to approve Resolution 2025-10, establishing a County Human Relations Commission (HRC). The resolution marks a historic step forward in protecting residents from discrimination and promoting equity across the County, while laying the groundwork for a more detailed ordinance to follow.

Councilmembers described the measure as both symbolic and practical -- sending a clear signal that Delaware County is committed to standing against discrimination in all its forms, while beginning the careful work of designing a commission that fits the County’s unique needs. The resolution establishes the commission itself, while a companion ordinance -- expected to be introduced later this year --- will provide the legal framework and enforcement authority to ensure its effectiveness.

Council noted that the ordinance will require two readings and must align with state law, the County Charter, and existing practices of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. Taking the resolution step first ensures that the process of recruiting and training commission members can begin without delay, even as the ordinance is finalized.

Councilmember Christine Reuther acknowledged the lengthy process and the public interest, noting that the resolution signals Council’s intent to move forward while the ordinance is refined. “This is a complex issue, and we want to get it right,” she said, noting that recent revisions -- such as aligning age discrimination protections with federal law -- required restarting the legislative process.

Councilmember Elaine Paul Schaefer emphasized the importance of the measure in today’s climate. “I wish we lived in a world where we didn’t need to establish a commission like this, but we don’t,” she said. “This is needed locally, here and now.” Schaefer also noted that mediation should be a key tool of the commission, pointing to other jurisdictions where more than half of complaints are resolved quickly through that process.

Councilmember Kevin Madden highlighted both urgency and caution. “We want to protect residents, but we also want to make sure the commission is structured in a way that works for Delaware County.” Madden added that if cases languish for years at the state level, a local commission could provide faster resolution.
 

What the Resolution Establishes

Under Resolution 2025-10, the Human Relations Commission will be composed of 7 to 13 volunteer members, appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by Council. Members will serve staggered three-year terms and may include up to three non-voting ex officio members to broaden representation.

The Commission’s responsibilities will include:

• Meeting monthly to address issues of equity and discrimination.
• Promoting education, outreach, and improved relationships across all communities.
• Conducting studies and issuing an annual report to Council.
• Cooperating with public and private organizations to strengthen inclusivity.

Once an ordinance is adopted, the Commission will also be vested with the authority to investigate and address discrimination complaints related to housing, employment, education, health care, and public accommodations. 
Protected classes will include race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, familial status, disability, age, veteran status, source of income, use of service animals, and status as a survivor of domestic or sexual violence.

Council Vice Chair Richard Womack, who has spent decades fighting for civil rights, called the vote “second nature.” He added, “I’ve been a victim of discrimination many times in my life, so I support this resolution, and we want to make sure this is also done cost-effectively while protecting our residents.”

Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor described the measure as “an important first step in ensuring equity and fairness across Delaware County.”

The resolution took effect immediately. Council expects to introduce the companion ordinance later this year to provide the full statutory framework.

Click here to read Resolution 2025-10.