Your Employee Rights and How to Report Wrongful Conduct
On August 1, 2020, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee adopted
a revised Employment Dispute Resolution (EDR) plan based on the 2019 Model EDR Plan adopted by
the Judicial Conference of the United States.
The EDR Plan
• Affirms the Judiciary's commitment to an exemplary workplace free from
discrimination and harassment;
• Prohibits wrongful conduct, including discrimination or harassment based on a race, color,
sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, pregnancy,
or age (40 years and older), and abusive conduct regardless of motivation;
• Encourages early reporting of any suspected wrongful conduct;
• Provides covered individuals with certain employment rights and protections, and both formal
and informal ways for resolution to address any alleged violations of those rights; and
• Prohibits retaliation for reporting or opposing wrongful conduct, or otherwise participating
in any of the resolution procedures under the EDR Plan.
The Judiciary encourages early reporting and action on wrongful conduct. The EDR Plan allows
current and former employees, interns/externs, and all applicants who have been interviewed to seek
redress for wrongful discrimination and harassment in the workplace and provides other employment
law protections. Employees who experience or observe, or learn of reliable evidence of sexual, racial, or other
discriminatory harassment or abusive conduct are strongly encouraged to take appropriate action,
including contacting a supervisor, human resources professional, EDR Coordinator, Unit Executive,
Judge, Chief Judge, or other individual to discuss the situation.
Mark Roberson
865-329-4739
Mark_Roberson@tneb.uscourts.gov
Lora Finley and Mark Roberson both serve as EDR coordinators for the TNE-Bankruptcy
Court. Please reach out to either person or the one with whom you
are most comfortable discussing your situation.
