Robin Derryberry Re-elected as Chair of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DERRYBERRY RE-ELECTED AS CHAIR OF TENNESSEE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Commissioner Bill Martin of Nashville to Serve as Vice Chair; Commissioner Scott Arnwine of Memphis to Serve as Secretary

Nashville, TENN. (July 29, 2021)- Robin Derryberry of Chattanooga was re-elected as chair of the Tennessee Human Rights Board  of Commissioners. The re-election was announced at the July 2021 Board of Commissioners meeting, which was the first in-person meeting since January 2020.

Derryberry was appointed to the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) in 2015 by former Speaker of the House Beth Harwell and has served as chair of the board since 2019.  Commissioner Bill Martin of Nashville was re-elected to serve as vice-chair and Commissioner Scott Arnwine of Memphis was re-elected to serve as secretary. Commissioner Martin was appointed in 2015 and Commissioner Arwine was appointed in 2017, both were appointed by former Governor Bill Haslam. Derryberry and other THRC commissioners will serve in their positions for two-year terms.

Derryberry said, “The work done by the Tennessee Human Rights Commission is critical especially in today’s environment.  I am honored to work with colleagues who share a desire to serve the people of Tennessee and with a staff that has done exemplary work throughout the challenges of the current pandemic.”

Under Derryberry’s leadership, the Commission received a five-year sunset period, the first given in the organization’s history.  The Commission also adopted a strategic plan and updated by-laws to assure the Commission continues to work effectively and efficiently.

Beverly Watts, THRC executive director said “We are delighted for the re-election of chair Derryberry during this time. She has worked tirelessly during the pandemic to further the mission of the THRC and is committed to the citizens of Tennessee.”

The Commission's role is to enforce the state’s anti-discrimination laws which prohibit discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation based on race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age (40 and over in employment), familial status (housing only) and retaliation in employment, housing and public accommodations and coordinate compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is the mission of the Commission to safeguard individuals from discrimination through education and enforcement.

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Contact: Veronica McGraw

THRC Communications Director | thrc.communications@tn.gov