CRED: Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The Frequently Asked Questions section is intended only to provide helpful information to Tennesseans who believe they have been subjected to discrimination in violation of the Tennessee Human Rights Act. The Civil Rights Enforcement Division of the Attorney General’s Office cannot provide legal advice, and nothing in this section is legal advice.

How do I file a complaint of discrimination?

The quickest way to submit a complaint is through the Civil Rights Enforcement Division’s online complaint portal.  If you require a paper form, you may request one at CRED@ag.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-5825.

I received a letter from the Tennessee Human Rights Commission that said my discrimination complaint was dismissed pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-1201. How do I refile my complaint with the Civil Rights Enforcement Division?

  • Employment Discrimination Complaints
    • If you had an employment discrimination complaint pending with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission on June 30, 2025, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is now handling your complaint. You do not need to refile your complaint with the Civil Rights Enforcement Division of the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office.
  • Housing Discrimination Complaints
    • If you had a housing discrimination complaint pending with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission on June 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) may now be handling your complaint, in which case you do not need to refile your complaint with the Civil Rights Enforcement Division.
    • If you had a housing discrimination complaint pending with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission on June 30, 2025, and HUD is not now handling your complaint, you may refile your complaint with the Civil Rights Enforcement Division of the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office until September 29, 2025. The quickest way to refile a complaint is through the Civil Rights Enforcement Division’s online complaint portal.  If you require a paper form, you may request one at CRED@ag.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-5825.
    • If you are not sure whether HUD is handling your complaint, please email us at CRED@ag.tn.gov, and we will assist you in finding out.
  • Public Accommodations Complaints
    • If you had a public accommodation complaint pending with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission on June 30, 2025, you may refile your complaint with the Civil Rights Enforcement Division of the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office until September 29, 2025.  The quickest way to refile a complaint is through the Civil Rights Enforcement Division’s online complaint portal. If you require a paper form, you may request one at CRED@ag.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-5825.

How can I get a copy of my case file?

If you would like to request documents related to your complaint, you may send a request via email to CRED@ag.tn.gov.

Is the Attorney General’s Office my attorney?

No. The Attorney General’s Office does not represent or serve as a counsel for individual complainants. Complainants may obtain a private attorney at any time.

If you obtain an attorney, you must notify the Civil Rights Enforcement Division immediately so it can contact your attorney about your complaint.

Can I file a private lawsuit if I was discriminated against?

Yes, the Tennessee Human Rights Act allows individuals who believe they were discriminated against in violation of the Act to file private lawsuits in state court.

If you file a complaint with the Civil Rights Enforcement Division then file a private lawsuit, you must notify the Division immediately.

Can the Civil Rights Enforcement Division help me fill out a complaint form?

 If you need assistance completing the complaint form, please call the Civil Rights Enforcement Division at (615) 741-5825.