A proposal ordinance to create a volunteer human relations commission in Delaware County is receiving some public pushback, writes Kenny Cooper for WHYY.
The public flooded a Delaware County Council meeting last Wednesday with supporters and detractors.
“By adopting this ordinance, Delaware County sends a powerful message that some of our community stands for fairness, inclusion and dignity,” said Christina Jones, of Haverford Township.
Opponents view the ordinance as unconstitutional, redundant, and a potential liability.
“This commission’s vague set of rules is not a guarantee of protection for victimized groups. It represents instead the potential for discriminatory, frivolous fines, subjective authoritarian rulings, countless judiciary filings and escalating legal costs for the county and taxpayers,” said Carris Kocher, of Concord Township.
The commission would investigate discrimination cases from protected classes relating to education, employment, health care, housing, and public accommodation.
It could resolve conflicts by requiring changes in practices and could levy fines up to $500.
Councilmember Kevin Madden said some are misunderstanding the language in the ordinance.
“It doesn’t restrict many of the things that we’re throwing out here tonight, unfortunately, I believe, at the encouragement of those who oppose this on social media to rile people up.”
Read more about the reaction to a Delaware County human relations commission at WHYY.
Editor’s Note: This post was initially published on DELCO Today in September 2025.
