Chattanooga, July 24, 2025
News Summary
Rev. William Terry Ladd III, senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Chattanooga, has been appointed to the Tennessee Advisory Committee by the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. This significant appointment, part of a broader initiative to address civil rights issues in Tennessee, comes at a time of intense discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ladd’s position highlights the ongoing importance of civil rights advocacy, especially as the committee continues to address voting rights and discrimination throughout the state.
Chattanooga – Rev. William Terry Ladd III, senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Chattanooga, has been appointed to the Tennessee Advisory Committee by the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. This announcement, which came on a Friday, includes 14 new appointees, indicating a significant move towards addressing civil rights issues in the state.
The Tennessee Advisory Committee is one of 56 advisory committees maintained by the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. Appointees are selected from a pool of applicants, and Ladd’s appointment comes at a crucial time when discussions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts and civil rights are particularly contentious. Ladd debated applying for the position and sought prayerful guidance regarding the application, acknowledging the current negative sentiments towards DEI initiatives.
Ladd expresses a view contrary to the notion of a ‘post-racial society,’ stating that disparities and discrimination continue to exist within various communities. He asserts that the Civil Rights Act of 1957 and the accompanying commission remain as relevant today as they were when established.
The Tennessee Advisory Committee operates with a four-year term for its members, with the last terms having expired in June 2024, leading to a period of inactivity. The latest committee report was released in July 2024, focusing on critical issues of voting rights. The committee convenes quarterly, but may hold additional meetings based on specific project needs.
As a member of this committee, Ladd is dedicated to advocating for civil rights for all individuals, emphasizing that everyone has inherent rights that should not be infringed upon, regardless of their lifestyle. His commitment focuses on working collaboratively with a diverse group of individuals to ensure that the rights of those facing discrimination are upheld.
Notably, committee positions are voluntary, and members do not receive compensation. Recommendations made by the committee are forwarded to government agencies for consideration and implementation. The committee specifically advises the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights on issues pertaining to alleged voting rights deprivations and discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.
Joining Ladd in this initiative are other newly appointed members, including Stella Yarbrough, legal director for the ACLU of Tennessee, and Kathleen Harms, a member of Williamson County Voters for Election Integrity. Brandon Smith, the former chief of staff for Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, has been appointed as the new chair of the committee. Ladd looks forward to collaborating with people of various political ideologies, ethnicities, and faith backgrounds to actively uphold civil rights in Tennessee.
Background Context
The U.S. Civil Rights Commission was established to address civil rights issues and assess laws and policies affecting the public’s civil rights. Advisory committees play an essential role in providing recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of these efforts. The Tennessee Advisory Committee has a longstanding history of tackling civil rights issues, particularly focusing on voting rights and discrimination.
Key Features
- Appointee: Rev. William Terry Ladd III
- Organization: U.S. Civil Rights Commission
- Committee Purpose: Advise on civil rights issues related to discrimination and voting rights
- Term Length: Four years
- Meeting Frequency: Quarterly or as needed
FAQ
What is the role of the Tennessee Advisory Committee?
The Tennessee Advisory Committee advises the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights on issues related to civil rights deprivations, particularly concerning voting rights and discrimination based on various factors such as race, religion, and disability.
How are members selected for the committee?
Members of the committee are selected from a pool of applicants who demonstrate a commitment to civil rights issues and have relevant experience or expertise.
Are committee positions compensated?
No, committee positions are voluntary, and members do not receive compensation for their service.
When is the next committee meeting scheduled?
The committee typically meets quarterly, but additional meetings may be scheduled based on specific projects or urgent issues that arise.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Local pastor named to Tennessee panel on civil rights
- News Channel 9: Civil rights attorney with Chattanooga ties victim of DC mid-air collision
- Local 3 News: Chattanooga police arrest woman for drunkenly stealing car
- Times Free Press: Former Rhea County teacher files civil rights lawsuit
- Local 3 News: Chattanooga launches grant for neighborhood associations
- Wikipedia: Civil Rights in the United States
- Google Search: Tennessee Advisory Committee on Civil Rights
- Google Scholar: Civil Rights Issues Tennessee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Civil Rights
- Google News: Chattanooga Civil Rights
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