On December 17, 2024, the DOJ published a “Letter of Findings” with allegations that the BLE and TLAP violated the ADA by discriminating against two bar applicants “due to a substance use disorder or mental health disorder.”
You can see the DOJ’s letter here: https://www.justice.gov/crt/case/tennessee-board-law-examiners
On January 16, 2025, the Tennessee Supreme Court issued the following Press Release in response to the DOJ:
Tennessee Supreme Court Addresses Discrimination Findings From DOJ
January 16, 2025
Nashville, Tenn- Today the Tennessee Supreme Court addressed public findings from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) claiming that the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners (TBLE) and the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP), which operate under the authority of the Tennessee Supreme Court, violated the ADA by discriminating against two bar applicants “due to a substance use disorder or mental health disorder.”
The Court strongly disagrees with DOJ’s assertion that either TBLE or TLAP discriminated against the applicants based on health status or disability. Both TBLE and TLAP follow well-established administrative processes that are designed to avoid discrimination against any applicant. The Court, TBLE, and TLAP have been and remain committed to treating persons with disabilities, including bar applicants with disabilities, with dignity and respect, and in compliance with all legal rights afforded to such applicants.”
You can also access the TN Court’s Press Release directly on its website here:
TLAP continues to operate its monitoring program with clinical integrity and via its well-established clinical protocols that empirically support fitness to practice and protect the public.