A resolution stating the Metropolitan Council's intent to call together citizens and groups from all across Nashville for the purpose of discussing and addressing the various questions and issues currently before the Council regarding the "diversity" of our community.

WHEREAS, Nashville, Tennessee is populated by many different citizens who have come from many different places; and

WHEREAS, recently introduced legislation before the Council has brought forth a large volume of comments that show how the issue of diversity "divides" this City; and

WHEREAS, if the events of September 11, 2001, taught us anything, it is that we must, unlike any other time in this great country's history, stand together and not apart; and

WHEREAS, all legal residents of our City must stand together as Nashvillians in order to improve on the already wonderful characteristics that make up our great City; and

WHEREAS, a forum where people can talk about diversity will hopefully help to mend any recent hard feelings that have been brought to the surface as a result of the recent diversity issues, and, instead, give this City an opportunity to better understand the issues of diversity and how we can use that knowledge and understanding to make our great City even greater;

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

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council is hereby resolved to call together various citizens and groups from our community in an effort to openly discuss the issues and questions regarding diversity in Nashville with the goal of fostering a better overall understanding of a sense of togetherness, as well as identifying steps that can be taken to make this City a greater place to live and work.

Section 2. 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: Jim Shulman, Ginger Hausser