Lawmakers handed a invoice to revamp the Tennessee Human Rights Fee after the fee’s director retired earlier this yr underneath allegations of verbal abuse and harsh remedy of workers.
In February, Human Rights Fee govt director Beverly Watts stepped down following a state investigation that discovered she created a poisonous work setting by means of profanity, demeaning language and micromanaging to the purpose that she required entrance desk workers to e-mail management for permission to make use of the restroom.
Watts has denied all of the allegations.
“I’m deeply upset within the unfaithful accusations which were made towards me,” Watts mentioned throughout her retirement announcement. “I’ve at all times tried to guide this group with dignity and professionalism.”
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The invoice, sponsored by Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, and Sen. Mike Bell, R-Riceville, resets the fee’s board making all their phrases expire later this yr.
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The laws does not disband the board however provides the governor, Speaker of the Home and Speaker of the Senate the flexibility to nominate three new members every beginning September 1.
Todd advised The Tennessean the board both was oblivious of Watts’ actions as govt director or knew about them and did nothing.
“The aim of this invoice is to place in some guardrails,” Todd mentioned.
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The Tennessee Human Rights Fee is accountable for imposing the state’s anti-discrimination legal guidelines. The fee’s job is to research complaints of discrimination in housing, employment, and public lodging based mostly on race, nationality, faith, intercourse, incapacity, familial standing and age.
At the very least three individuals filed complaints towards Watts. A number of former workers for the human rights fee spoke to The Tennessean about Watts, backing up most of the allegations confirmed within the human assets report.
Democrats criticized the invoice as a private vendetta by Todd, who has voiced considerations in regards to the board’s actions for years.
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The invoice handed the Senate overwhelmingly however bumped into Democratic opposition within the Home. The Home handed the laws by a close to party-line vote of 67-28.
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The laws, filed underneath HB2877, now awaits Gov. Invoice Lee’s signature earlier than turning into regulation.
Adam Friedman is The Tennessean’s state authorities and politics reporter. Attain him by e-mail at afriedman@tennessean.com.
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Pick Tennessee Products Partners with Homegrown By Heroes to Promote Veteran Farmers – Clarksville Online – Clarksville News, Sports, Events and Information
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Pick Tennessee Products (PTP) program has joined together with Homegrown By Heroes to better promote local agricultural products produced by Tennessee farmer veterans.
The Homegrown By Heroes label is the official farmer U.S. military veteran branding program. Administered by the National Farmer Veteran Coalition, it certifies ranchers, farmers, and fishermen from all military branches to sell their products as veteran-owned and produced.
PTP has been connecting people everywhere to all the great things that come from Tennessee’s farms and food businesses for more than 30 years. The PTP logo informs consumers that the products displayed are produced in Tennessee.
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“We are proud of our military men and women and are honored when they choose to join our agricultural community,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “This merged Homegrown By Heroes and Pick Tennessee Products logo will allow our farmer veterans to stand out in the market as not only a Tennessee product but also a veteran-produced product.”
The mission of the Farmer Veteran Coalition is to mobilize veterans to feed America. They work to cultivate a new generation of farmers through the collaboration of the farming and military communities. The Tennessee chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC-TN) assists veterans by finding resources that will help them start their agricultural dream.
“As the President of the Tennessee chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, I am excited about the partnership of Homegrown By Heroes and Pick Tennessee Products.” Ron Bridges, owner of Bee Ridges Farm in Anderson County, said. “This merged logo will serve as a symbol of the productive partnership between FVC-TN and TDA. Many FVC-TN members have enjoyed the benefits of advertising through the Pick Tennessee Products website and adding their Homegrown By Heroes veteran status has helped increase their customer base. Merging the two logos simplifies their visual presence and honors their military service and their farm’s specialty status.”
Many members of FVC-TN are beginning farmers working hard to build their customer base. “Having the Pick TN Products and Homegrown By Heroes logos as part of our farm’s marketing has been a tremendous help in reassuring customers of our quality and integrity,” said Rory Williams of M and R Farm in Marshall County. “I imagine that combining the two logos will strengthen our relationship-building going forward. We are honored to be able to advertise that our farm qualifies for both.”
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Jennifer Rafn, owner of Pecan Hill Farms in Lincoln County, said, “We are proud to be able to share with our customers and others that we are a Pick Tennessee Products producer and a Homegrown By Heroes producer. We look forward to being able to showcase both memberships and hope to stand out as a producer with the combined logo.”
Find out more about Homegrown By Heroes by visiting farmvetco.org/hbh/. Find local products and more at www.picktnproducts.org/ and the free Pick TN mobile app. Look for the Homegrown By Heroes logo throughout the Pick Tennessee Products website to find a farmer veteran near you.
The Tennessee Volunteers already have the No. 11 class in the 2025 recruiting cycle. In honor of America’s birthday, we look at what fireworks could be in store as they close this class.
The 4th of July always calls for fireworks and festivites as we celebrate our country’s birth. The Tennessee Volunteers are still swinging hard on the recruiting trail this month, and we examine a few potential fireworks that could be set off over the next few weeks for them.
Landing David Sanders
Providence Day School offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. is officially in decision mode after a flurry of official visits this summer. It seems like his recruitment will stretch into August, with a decision coming before his senior season. There are several blue blood programs still fighting for his services, but this battle likely comes down to Ohio State vs. Tennessee. Sanders would be the highest-rated commit to join Tennessee under head coach Josh Heupel.
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Surviving the race for Travis Smith
Westlake High School wide receiver Travis Smith will commit to Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, or Tennessee on July 13. The talented Peach State native has favored the Bulldogs throughout his recruitment, but recent developments point to the Vols as a top suitor for his services. He ranks as the No. 75 prospect in the 2025 class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, and would be Tennessee’s third wide receiver commit in the 2025 class.
Flipping Jadon Perlotte
Buford High School linebacker Jadon Perlotte is one of the most physically gifted defenders in America. The long-time Georgia commit has always kept an open recruitment, and Tennessee has actively recruited him for a long time. The Vols had a lot of buzz after his official visit this summer and are swinging hard to make him the centerpiece of their linebacker class.
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