RESOLUTION NO. RS2014-1029

A resolution requesting the State of Tennessee to offer driver license examinations in Arabic.

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Driver Service Centers currently offer the written driver license examination in English, Spanish, Korean, and Japanese; and

WHEREAS, according to the Arab American Institute Foundation, there are more than 23,600 persons of Arab ancestry in Tennessee, with over 11,000 in Nashville alone; and

WHEREAS, Arabic is the fourth most spoken language in Tennessee according to the Migration Policy Institute, ahead of both Korean and Japanese; and

WHEREAS, Georgia offers its driver license exam in Arabic, even though its Arabic speaking population is less than Tennessee’s; and

WHEREAS, Arab Americans make a vital contribution to Tennessee’s economy and community fabric; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Tennessee driver license exam be offered in Arabic.

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 requesting the State of Tennessee to offer driver license examinations in Arabic.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly and to Department of Safety Commissioner Bill Gibbons.

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: Karen Johnson