On May 12, 2025, HB0910/SB0861 was signed into law by Governor Bill Lee. This legislation will dissolve the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) on June 30, 2025. Enforcement of the Tennessee Human Rights Act (THRA) and the Tennessee Disability Act (TDA) will transfer to a newly created Division of Civil Rights Enforcement within the Office of the Attorney General and Reporter (AG) on July 1, 2025. The Commission’s Title VI compliance duties for the State of Tennessee will also transfer to the Department of Human Resources (DOHR) on July 1, 2025.

During this period of transition, the Commission will transfer all new inquiries of alleged discrimination to the AG’s Office. The AG will assume full authority in receiving inquiries on July 1, 2025. Any complaint that is pending before the Commission by June 30, 2025, will be dismissed. Individuals wishing to re-file their discrimination complaints can contact the AG on or after July 1, 2025, by email at CRED@ag.tn.gov, by phone at (615) 741-3491, or by mail at P.O. Box 20207, Nashville, TN 37202. In its remaining time, the Commission will support the AG and the DOHR in the transition of authority to ensure that the citizens of Tennessee have an avenue for civil rights enforcement.

This bill will mark the end of the storied Commission. Established in 1963 amid the Civil Rights Movement, the THRC has served the State of Tennessee by encouraging fair and equal treatment of citizens; enforcing anti-discrimination laws in employment, public accommodations, and housing; and educating Tennesseans on their civil rights and responsibilities. Throughout its existence, the Commission has investigated tens of thousands of cases of discrimination, earned millions in monetary benefits for people experiencing injustice, and has provided hundreds of educational presentations.

When reflecting on her experience as Executive Director for the Commission, Muriel Nolen stated “It has been my honor to serve as Executive Director [for the THRC]. Day in and day out, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside our 32 staff members to ensure that people experiencing discrimination have access to a viable means for justice.” She continued “I’d like to thank our Commissioners and staff, both current and former, for their dedicated service. Together, we have carried on the legacy of civil rights in this great state and we’ve done our best to ensure each Tennessean has an equal opportunity to pursue employment and fair access to housing.”

“The responsibility of safeguarding individuals from discrimination cannot be done alone, and we’ve relied upon partnerships to help expand the reach of our services to communities across Tennessee,” added Director Nolen. “For our partners and friends, I’d like to express my deepest gratitude for your continued support of the Commission over the years.”

On Friday, May 23, 2025, at 9:00am CDT, the Commission will host its final Board of Commissioner’s meeting. During the closing portion of the meeting, there will be space for public comments and recognition of the Commission for its service to the State of Tennessee. Friends of the Commission and citizens of Tennessee are encouraged to attend.

In looking towards the future for the Commission and civil rights enforcement, Nolen shared “Although the Commission will cease to exist, the THRA and the TDA still stand, and Tennesseans are still legally entitled to their civil rights. We are hopeful that the AG’s Office will continue our work and uphold the civil rights and responsibilities for all Tennesseans.”

The mission of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission is “safeguarding individuals from discrimination through education and enforcement”. THRC is the primary state agency responsible for enforcing civil rights laws in Tennessee for housing, employment, and public accommodations. These laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, disability (employment and housing), age (40 and over in employment), familial status (housing), and retaliation. The THRC also monitors Title VI compliance for the State of Tennessee. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin, for any program receiving federal funds or financial assistance.

For more information on the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, please call 800-251-3589, email ask.thrc@tn.gov, or visit the agency’s website at www.tn.gov/humanrights.

Black lawmakers call out attorney general over handling of Human Rights Commission staff

Two prominent Tennessee lawmakers are demanding answers from Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti after reports emerged that employees of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) may lose their jobs following the agency’s transfer into the Attorney General’s office.

State Representative Jesse Chism, chairman of the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators, and House Democratic Leader Karen Camper, both of Memphis, issued strongly worded letters to Skrmetti, expressing concern over what they view as a betrayal of public trust and a potential dismantling of civil rights protections.

Earlier this year, the General Assembly passed legislation (HB 910/SB 860) dissolving the THRC and moving its responsibilities under the Attorney General’s purview. Lawmakers were reportedly assured at the time that the Commission’s approximately 30 employees would be retained in the transition. However, according to a report by the Nashville Banner, THRC employees were notified by email last week that they were being laid off. That directive was later softened, giving workers just one week to submit their résumés for potential consideration for roles within the AG’s office.

Rep. Chism, who voted against the bill in both the House Finance Subcommittee and full Finance Committee, sent a letter to Skrmetti asking for clarification on the fate of the workers.

“I have expressed my concerns about the dissolution of the Human Rights Commission numerous times,” Chism wrote. “However, some of my concerns were offset by the indication that experienced case workers trained in civil rights enforcement would be maintained to protect Tennesseans from discrimination involving their race, gender, disabilities, or sexual preferences. Now, it appears that is not the case.”

Chism further questioned whether Skrmetti intended to disregard the expertise of the Commission’s staff. “Is it your intention to simply push aside their collective decades of training and expertise with only a cursory glance at their résumés?” he asked. “If so, does this represent a change in direction of the Human Rights Commission’s mission now that it is under your direction?”

Leader Camper also issued a sharply worded response, calling the AG’s actions “a breach of trust that has completely eroded any credibility you once held with me.” Camper said she met with Skrmetti last month prior to the bill’s passage and that he “unequivocally assured me that THRC staff would be absorbed into other state agencies to continue their critical work protecting Tennesseans from discrimination.”

“The citizens of Tennessee deserve an Attorney General who tells the truth—even when it’s hard—and who is committed to justice, not just political expedience,” Camper wrote.

She urged Skrmetti to reverse course before the July 1 transition date, stating, “There is still time to right this wrong. It is up to you to determine how your legacy as Attorney General will be remembered: as one who dismantled a vital institution and misled those trying to protect it—or as someone who corrected course and chose to stand on the side of fairness, truth, and the people of this state.”