Skrmetti questioned over Human Rights Commission jobs – Washington Examiner
The article reports on the recent changes regarding the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, which has been abolished and its duties transferred to the attorney general’s office, effective July 1. Even though the commission has been dissolved by legislation signed by Governor Bill Lee, the attorney general’s office plans to retain the 30 positions previously allocated to the commission. This transition is not expected to have a meaningful financial impact according to the bill’s fiscal note, as resources will be reallocated.
Chad Kubis, a spokesman for Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, emphasized the commitment to building a qualified team to enforce the Tennessee Human Rights act. Current employees of the Human Rights Commission have been invited to apply for roles in the new civil Rights Enforcement Division.
Democratic leaders expressed concerns, with House Democratic Leader Karen Camper accusing Skrmetti of breaching trust by not absorbing the commission staff into other agencies as promised. Rep. Jesse Chism of the Tennessee Black Caucus has also sought clarification on the future direction of the commission’s mission under the attorney general’s leadership.The Human Rights Commission is set to hold its final meeting on the Friday following the declaration.
Skrmetti questioned over Human Rights Commission jobs
(The Center Square) – The Tennessee attorney general’s office will keep the 30 positions allocated to the Human Rights Commission when it takes over the commission’s duties on July 1, a spokesman said.
The 62-year-old Human Rights Commission was abolished by a bill passed by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Bill Lee last week. The change is not expected to have a financial impact on the state as the attorney general can use existing resources, including the funding for positions at the commissions, according to the bill’s fiscal note.
“The Office of the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Enforcement Division is committed to building a strong, qualified team to effectively and efficiently enforce the Tennessee Human Rights Act,” wrote Chad Kubis, a spokesman for Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, in an email to The Center Square. “The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office notified current employees of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission that if they wish to be considered for a position in the Civil Rights Enforcement Division, they may contact the AG’s office to schedule an interview. We hope to engage with many of them throughout the transition.”
Democrats criticized Skrmetti on Monday. House Democratic Leader Karen Camper accused the attorney general of a “breach of trust.” She said Skrmetti promised her that the Human Rights Commission staff would be absorbed into other state agencies.
“There is still time to right this wrong … it is up to you to determine how your legacy as attorney general will be remembered: as one who dismantled a vital institution and misled those trying to protect it – or as someone who corrected course and chose to stand on the side of fairness, truth, and the people of this state,” Camper said.
Rep. Jesse Chism, D-Memphis, who chairs the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators, sent Skrmetti a letter asking for clarification.
“Is it your intention to simply to push aside their collective decades of training and expertise with only a cursory glance at their resumes? If so, does this represent a change in direction of the Human Rights Commission’s mission now that it is under your direction,” Chism wrote in the letter.
The Human Rights Commission will hold its last meeting on Friday.
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