About CRED
In 2025, Tennessee lawmakers transferred responsibility for enforcing the state’s anti-discrimination laws from the now-dissolved Tennessee Human Rights Commission to the newly created Civil Rights Enforcement Division (CRED) within the Office of the Tennessee Attorney General.
CRED investigates and prosecutes alleged violations of the Tennessee Human Rights Act (THRA) and the Tennessee Disability Act. These statutes provide state-level protections similar to those found in certain federal civil rights laws. The THRA prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, places of public accommodation, and education because of a person’s protected characteristics. Depending on the context, protected characteristics may include race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, familial status, or disability. The THRA also prohibits retaliating against a person for reporting or participating in the investigation of unlawful discrimination. The Tennessee Disability Act (TDA) specifically protects against discrimination in the workplace based on disability. A violation of the TDA also constitutes a violation of the THRA.
For more information on the laws enforced by CRED, click here.
Tennesseans who believe they have been subjected to unlawful discrimination or retaliation may file a complaint with CRED. Complaints must be filed within 180 days after the alleged discriminatory act. CRED conducts a thorough review of every complaint it receives to determine whether further investigation is warranted. However, CRED does not serve as counsel for either the complainant or the respondent.
CRED also has authority to initiate its own investigations if it determines that it is in the public interest to do so.
If CRED finds reason to believe that unlawful discrimination has occurred, is occurring, or is about to occur, it may seek resolution through informal settlement negotiations or file a lawsuit to protect the rights of affected Tennesseans and the public interest. The THRA authorizes CRED to seek injunctive relief—including affirmative requirements for training, policy changes, and reporting—as well as monetary damages, civil penalties, costs, and attorney’s fees.
For more information about how CRED processes the complaints it receives, click here.
CRED additionally works to prevent discrimination before it occurs through its community outreach efforts.
“The new Civil Rights Enforcement Division marks a fresh start for antidiscrimination enforcement in Tennessee…Our office takes this new responsibility seriously and aims to enforce our laws with excellence, integrity, and efficiency. I started my career as a civil rights prosecutor and am honored that the General Assembly and Governor Lee have trusted this office to protect civil rights and deliver real results for Tennesseans.”