Tennessee: discrimination deadlines
How long you have to file a workplace discrimination charge with the federal EEOC and with your state's civil rights agency.
Under review| Deadline to file with the EEOC | 300 days |
|---|---|
| State agency | Civil Rights Enforcement Division, Attorney General's Office (replaced the Human Rights Commission on July 1, 2025) |
| Deadline to file with the state agency | 180 days |
| State law | Tenn. Code § 4-21-204 |
You can also sue in state court within 1 year. Sources disagree on whether the EEOC deadline is still 300 days after the agency change, so file within 180 days to be safe.
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in Tennessee.
How we checked this
The EEOC rule is from eeoc.gov: 180 days, extended to 300 where a state or local agency enforces a similar law. State agency deadlines were compared across two sources and confirmed on agency websites where they differed (Hawaii, Illinois, Tennessee). Federal employees follow a different 45-day process. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site From a statute-cited table one detailed source Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.