Persons engaging in conduct motivated by a victim's race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, disability or homeless status risk civil liability or criminal prosecution under Maryland's civil rights and hate crimes statutes. Students engaging in bullying, harassment and intimidation in grades K-12 or at institutions of higher education could be subject to disciplinary action under the student code of conduct for the local school system, college, or university. Discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace, as well as cyberbullying and intimidation online, are also prohibited by state law. 

The Office of the Attorney General is committed to working with local law enforcement, state and county governments, our local school systems, higher education systems, and communities to enforce these laws. We urge anyone who believes they have been a victim of unlawful harassment or intimidation to first notify local law enforcement, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR), or your local human rights agency.  

Our office has also established a hotline and a hate crimes portal to report these incidents and make referrals to local law enforcement for further investigation when appropriate. The number is 1-866-481-8361. The hate crimes portal is now available with a reporting form for individuals to make reports of hate incidents online. Complaints of student harassment or bullying should be made directly to the school, college, or university.  

Since the launching of our hate crimes hotline, OAG has responded to hundreds of calls regarding hate crime/bias incident activity in Maryland. OAG continues to advocate for policies that help combat these intolerable acts.   

Hate Crimes Hotline: 1-866-481-8361​  

Hate Crimes Portal: nohomeforhate.md.gov/