To the Governor of Tennessee, Tennessee State Representatives, Criminal Appeals Attorneys, Civil Rights Organizations, and Members of the Media:

We respectfully request an independent review of the criminal case involving Tavaria "Varia" Merritt.

For years, Varia has maintained concerns regarding aspects of her case and believes that important legal and factual issues deserve further examination by qualified professionals. We are not asking anyone to overturn a conviction based solely on public opinion. Instead, we are asking for a fair, objective, and thorough review of the record, evidence, legal proceedings, and any issues that may warrant additional investigation.

Since her incarceration, Varia has worked to positively impact the lives of others by founding Be The Change (BTC), an LGBTQIA+ support and advocacy community that has served incarcerated individuals for more than a decade. Her efforts have focused on education, support, community building, and advocacy.

We believe every person deserves meaningful access to justice and the opportunity to have legitimate legal concerns reviewed by qualified attorneys and public officials.

By signing this petition, you are supporting:

A complete and independent review of the case.

Access to qualified appellate and post-conviction legal representation.

Transparency and fairness in the justice system.

Public awareness of the issues raised in this case.

We respectfully ask public officials, attorneys, media organizations, and advocacy groups to examine this matter and help ensure that justice is fully served.

Thank you for your support.

Free Tavaria "Varia" Merritt Campaign

Campaign Organizer: Cleveland Wells