Commission Prepares for Final Days
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The THRC prepares for transfer to AG's Office and bids farewell ahead of ageny dissolution on June 30, 2025
(Nashville, TN – May 13, 2025)
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 current complaint that is pending before the Commission on June 30, 2025, will be dismissed. Individuals wishing to re-file their discrimination complaints can contact the AG on or after July 1, 2025, either via 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 to complaining parties and responding parties alike.
When reflecting on her work with the Commission, Executive Director 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 who experience discrimination have access to 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 that each Tennessean has an equal opportunity to pursue employment and has fair access to housing.”
“The responsibility of safeguarding individuals fromdiscrimination 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 THRC 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. To request a link to attend the meeting, please email ask.thrc@tn.gov or call 800-251-3589 by Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
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.