RESOLUTION NO. RS2003-1439

A resolution recognizing Nashville attorneys, Douglas Johnston, Sam Funk, Drew Goddard, Robert Cooper, Wallace W. Dietz, and Kathryn Celauro for their international public service.

WHEREAS, in the country of India there is such extreme poverty that it has resulted in the payment of debts through the deplorable practice of illegal bonded servitude; and

WHEREAS, this illegal practice has resulted in large numbers of adults and children being enslaved into bonded servitude with no hope of becoming free persons; and

WHEREAS, five Nashville attorneys, Douglas Johnston, Sam Funk, Drew Goddard, Robert Cooper, Wallace W. Dietz, and Kathryn Celauro through the International Justice Mission became aware of the hopeless situation of many adults as old as 60 years of age and children as young as 7 years of age who were in bonded servitude; and

WHEREAS, the said Nashville attorneys, at their own expense, traveled to India to investigate and document, under adverse conditions, over 200 cases of bonded servitude which were then submitted to the proper authorities; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the investigations done by these Nashville attorneys and efforts by the International Justice Mission, numerous adults and children have obtained their freedom by being released from bonded servitude; and

WHEREAS, since these Nashville attorneys have selflessly given of their time, talent, and energy to secure the freedom of persons who were in bonded servitude, it is only fitting and proper that the international public service rendered by such attorneys be honored and recognized; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes and commends these Nashville attorneys for their exemplary and commendable international public service.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing Nashville attorneys, Douglas Johnston, Sam Funk, Drew Goddard, Robert Cooper, Wallace W. Dietz, and Kathryn Celauro for their international public service.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented Nashville attorneys, Douglas Johnston, Sam Funk, Drew Goddard, Robert Cooper, Wallace W. Dietz, and Kathryn Celauro.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Lawrence Hart

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	May 6, 2003
Adopted:	May 6, 2003
Approved:	May 7, 2003
By: