Human Relations Commission

In February 2012, the Board of Commissioners of Cheltenham Township passed the Cheltenham Township Human Relations Ordinance prohibiting certain kinds of discrimination in housing accommodations (with an exception for housing for older persons), publicly-offered commercial property transactions, employment, and public accommodation in Cheltenham Township.  The ordinance established the Cheltenham Township Human Relations Commission (CTHRC).  The CTHRC ultimately receives complaints of discrimination and attempts to resolve them by using persuasion, conferences, conciliation, mediation, and/or a public hearing, if necessary. 

The ordinance specifically prohibits discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, age, religious creed, ancestry, sex, national origin, handicap or disability, use of guide or support animals and/or mechanical aids 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 an individual’s actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.   The complete ordinance can be found online. 

The CTHRC consists of nine members all of whom are Cheltenham Township residents.   The CTHRC members serve for staggered three-year terms. 

2019 Members:

J. Kathleen Marcus

Sheva Golkow

William Pillsbury

Shannon M. Oscar

William Taylor, III

Ellie Margolis

Michael miller

Gretchen Wisehart

If you would like to apply to be a member of the CTHRC, click here for information about the application process.

If you think you are or have been the victim of discrimination in the Township, you can contact the CTHRC via email at [email protected] or telephone at 267-521-CHRC (2472) for assistance with the complaint process. Please note that the CTHRC cannot give legal advice. Consequently, if your question is legal in nature, you should consult an attorney.