Silencing the Watchdog: The End of Independent Oversight in Tennessee
Lawmakers and stakeholders will hold press conference on HB910/SB861 that shuts down accountability and strips Tennesseans of legal protections
APRIL 3, 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NASHVILLE, TN — On Friday, lawmakers, civil rights advocates, and impacted Tennesseans will gather to oppose legislation abolishing the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, the state’s only independent civil rights watchdog.
HB910/SB861, sponsored by Rep. Johnny Garrett (R-Goodlettsville) and Sen. John Stevens (R-Huntingdon), would eliminate the 60-year-old commission and transfer its enforcement authority to a new division under the direct control of Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti—a political appointee known for attacking diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The bill would dismiss more than 1,000 active discrimination complaints, many filed by people with disabilities and veterans, forcing Tennesseans to restart the process from scratch or forfeit their rights entirely due to statute of limitations barriers.
“Authoritarianism doesn’t start with tanks in the streets—it starts with silencing independent institutions, gutting public accountability, and concentrating power in the hands of political operatives. That’s exactly what this bill does. Abolishing the Human Rights Commission is not just dangerous—it’s un-American,” said Senator Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville).
“This is a dangerous power grab masquerading as reform and a harbinger of what’s to come regarding the erosion of our civil rights,” said Rep. Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville). “Tennessee’s civil rights watchdog is being silenced. And in its place, the GOP wants to put a partisan attack dog.”
Speakers at the press conference will include:
State lawmakers
Tennessee Disability Coalition
Labor leaders, including Ironworkers 492, AFL-CIO, Nashville Central Labor Council
What’s at stake is not just process — it’s power, accountability, and whether the people of Tennessee can trust their civil rights will be protected by an independent body, not a politically motivated office.
WHEN: Friday, April 4th at 1 PM CT in Cordell Hull Building press room
MEDIA CONTACT: Ken Jobe, ken.jobe@capitol.tn.gov
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