The Human Rights and Mediation Center and Conference Room Renamed to Honor the late Sue Shoenberg

For Immediate Release: Friday, December 1, 2017

The Office of Human Rights Mediation Center and Conference Room was officially renamed the Sue Shoenberg Human Rights Mediation Center and Conference Room to honor the late Sue Shoenberg in a ceremony held on Monday, November 27. The observance took place in the Office of Human Rights located on the third floor of the Rockville Memorial Library at 21 Maryland Ave.

Inducted into the Montgomery Human Rights Hall of Fame in 2002, Shoenberg volunteered numerous hours to advocate for broader laws to safeguard victims of domestic abuse. She served tirelessly as a mediator, consultant and technical advisor to the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights and served as a commissioner for the Montgomery County Human Rights Commission for 11 years.

County Executive Ike Leggett was joined by Sue Shoenberg’s husband Bob and daughters Dana and Halley Shoenberg, Director of Human Rights James Stowe, Vice Chairman of the Montgomery County Human Rights Commission William England; Ken Reichart, representing Senator Ben Cardin; Human Rights commissioners and community members.

 “It is a pleasure to honor the many contributions made by Sue Shoenberg who was my friend and respected colleague,” said Leggett. “Renaming the Conference and Mediation room to honor Sue is a fitting tribute to someone who dedicated her life to community service and humanitarian work that improved the quality of life for Montgomery County residents.”

 “Going forward as people enter the Sue Shoenberg Mediation Center and Conference Room and ask about her photo on the wall or the proclamation in her honor or her name on the sign outside the door it will give us a chance to talk about her advocacy for fairness and justice and her never wavering commitment and contributions to our community and in doing that we will always remember Sue,” said Stowe.

The Human Rights Commission is made up of 15 members who are appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. The members broadly represent the diverse population of the County. The Commission's duties are to aim to eliminate discrimination, prejudice, intolerance and bigotry in housing, recreation, education, health, employment, public accommodations and justice, regardless of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, genetic status, presence of children or source of income. It also promotes goodwill, cooperation, understanding and human relations among all residents. The Commissioners serve without compensation.

For more information about the Office of Human Rights or the Human Rights Commission call James Stowe at 240-777- 8490.

 

Release ID: 17-439
Media Contact: Judy Stiles 240-777-6536