News Summary
The Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) will officially dissolve on June 30, 2025, transferring its duties to the Office of the Attorney General. This change follows legislative advances but raises concerns about civil rights protections in the state. Established in 1965 during racial tensions, the THRC was the first human rights agency in Tennessee, known for advocating fair treatment and equality. Critics fear that the transition will diminish existing civil rights safeguards, particularly concerning pending discrimination complaints.
Nashville
The Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) is scheduled to dissolve on June 30, 2025, following its final meeting held on May 23, 2025. This decision comes as state lawmakers advance legislation that will transition the commission’s responsibilities to the Office of the Attorney General, raising concerns about the implications for civil rights protections within the state.
The Metropolitan Government of Nashville/Davidson County first established the THRC amid racial tensions in 1965. It was the first official human rights agency in Tennessee, designed to promote fair treatment, equal opportunity, and respect while working to eliminate discrimination. The initial board consisted of fifteen members drawn from various social, economic, religious, cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds, reflecting a commitment to diversity in leadership.
Initially, the commission relied on volunteer commissioners, but as its duties expanded, it recognized the necessity for a dedicated staff. Warren N. Moore made history as the first African American executive director, leading the organization from 1967 to 1970 alongside Caucasian associate director Fred Cloud. This collaborative leadership approach continued for the following two decades, fostering an environment of inclusion.
One of the commission’s key achievements was advocating for Nashville/Davidson County’s Fair Employment law, which became Tennessee’s first such legislation when it passed in July 1968. Over the years, the commission initiated numerous initiatives aimed at fostering understanding and equality, such as Human Relations Training for Metro Police in 1968 and a Mass Media and Race Relations Seminar in 1969. Additionally, it implemented an Affirmative Action plan for Metro government in 1974 and supported the establishment of the Clinical Legal Education Project at Vanderbilt Law School in the same year.
The commission also played a pivotal role in community events, organizing the Holocaust Remembrance from 1986 to 1987 and the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration from 1986 to 1990. In 1978, it hosted the National Association of Human Rights Workers Conference in Nashville, further solidifying its position as a leader in the human rights space.
In 1990, Fred Cloud, who succeeded Moore as executive director, served until 1990, after which the commission faced a hiatus in funding in 1995. Under Mayor Philip Bredesen’s administration, the commission’s budget was reinstated, leading to Anthea Boarman’s appointment as the new executive director. Throughout its history, the THRC maintained active leadership in both state and national human rights organizations, contributing significantly to the development of civil rights legislation.
Current legislation (HB 910/SB 861) aimed at dissolving the commission has begun to clear legislative hurdles, having passed the Senate Government Operations Committee. The proposed law is intended to streamline the Senate’s responsibilities concerning the commission, but it has sparked debate among lawmakers. Concerns, especially from Democratic representatives, focus on whether the Attorney General’s office can adequately safeguard civil rights under its new responsibilities.
Critics of the transition warn that moving oversight from the THRC to Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti may dilute existing civil rights protections in Tennessee. Furthermore, the legislation proposes changes that would alter the scope of discrimination claims related to educational institutions. If the bill passes, approximately 1,000 pending discrimination complaints would be dismissed, forcing individuals to resubmit their claims under the new Civil Rights Enforcement Division, which is slated to begin operations on July 1, 2025.
The executive director of the THRC, Muriel Malone Nolen, has expressed concerns regarding the possible detrimental impacts of the new law on the pending discrimination complaints, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a robust system for protecting civil rights in Tennessee.
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Additional Resources
- Tennessee Tribune
- Nashville Banner
- NewsChannel 5
- Wikipedia: Civil Rights
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Human Rights
Author: HERE Nashville
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