UTCSW Alum Darris K. Upton (MSSW 2018, BSSW 2017) has been elected chair of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) Board of Commissioners. He was unanimously voted to the role of chair at the THRC Board of Commissioners meeting on November 17. Gov. Bill Lee appointed Darris Upton, of Knoxville, to the Tennessee Human Rights Commission on February 23, 2023, as a representative of the Eastern Tennessee Division. Upton attended his first THRC Board of Commissioners meeting on July 21, 2023. He will serve his term until June 2024.
Additionally, Upton is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs Manager for United Clean-up Oak Ridge (UCOR). In his role, he helps UCOR build a more diverse workforce and develop internal supports for employees. Some of his work includes assisting in recruitment efforts at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, launching employee resource groups, and developing community events such as the Scarboro Community Workshop. Previously, Upton served as the Diversity Development manager for Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs’ office. During his tenure there, his projects included implementing a summer intern program with Project Grad, developing employee resources groups for Knox County, and partnering with private sector companies and non-profit organizations to provide jobs for individuals seeking second-chance employment.
Upton is a decorated U.S. Navy veteran, serving nearly 12 years. After his naval service, he attended Pellissippi State Community College and the University of Tennessee, receiving both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. He is a member of several community boards including Pellissippi State Foundation Board of Trustees, Knox Education Foundation, and Project Grad Knoxville.
“I look forward to serving in this role and I have to say that the UT College of Social Work prepared me well,” Upton said. “I use the organizational leadership classwork every single day, so thank you CSW.”
The mission of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission is “safeguarding individuals from discrimination through education and enforcement.” THRC is the primary agency responsible for enforcing civil rights laws in Tennessee in employment, housing, and public accommodation. The Commission prohibits discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age (40 and over in employment), familial status (housing only), and retaliation.
Portions of this story have been used with permission from the original article published in the The Nashville PRIDE, which can be found here:
https://pridepublishinggroup.com/2023/12/07/darris-upton-elected-chair-of-tennessee-human-rights-commission/