Texas Commission on Human Rights Holds Final Meeting

On September 1, The Texas Commission on Human Rights will formally transfer its duties to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) after thirty-two years. On Wednesday, July 22, the Texas Commission on Human Rights (TCHR) held its final commission meeting.

“I am grateful to each of the Human Rights Commissioners who have contributed their time and efforts to making equal employment and housing available to all Texans,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar.  “TWC is committed to maintaining the high level of service and expertise exhibited by these leaders as the duties of the Commission on Human Rights are transferred to TWC.”

The outgoing commissioners for TCHR are Chairman Thomas M. Anderson, JD, SPHR, Michelle Diggs, Toni Rhodes Glover, Shara Michalka, Danny L. Osterhout, Veronica Stidvent and Sharon Breckenridge Thomas. Learn more info about the TCHR Commissioners.

Founded in 1983, TCHR was created to enforce the law and handle all fair housing complaints and certain discriminatory hearings in employment. In January 1984, TCHR was certified by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC, as a Fair Employment Practices Agency (FEPA)—a deferral agency. In March 2004, the agency became a division of the Texas Workforce Commission, but remained under the oversight of the TCHR Commission. Legislation passed in the 84th legislative session which dissolved the TCHR and transferred its duties to TWC.

The mission of the Civil Rights Division at the Texas Workforce Division is to reduce discrimination in employment and housing through education and enforcement of state and federal laws. Its vision is to help create an environment in which the people of the State of Texas may pursue and enjoy the benefits of employment and housing that are free from discrimination.