RESOLUTION NO. RS2017-861

A resolution by the Metropolitan Council expressing that Nashville is opposed to and stands against racism and bigotry in all its forms and urging all to seek unified solutions to encourage the inclusive society our founders envisioned.

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

Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council hereby declares that it stands against racism, bigotry and hatred in all its forms. The Metropolitan Council categorically rejects any idea that people are not created equal. The evils of racism and bigotry take many forms, including prejudices based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation and/or national origin as demonstrated by white supremacists, whether referred to as Nazis, the KKK (which originated in Tennessee), or white nationalists. The Metro Council rejects this divisive hatred.

Section 2. In place of racism, bigotry and hatred, the Metropolitan Council further declares its embrace of an American civil society where ideas are exchanged and debated with passion but peacefully. The Council honors the tradition of being able to disagree without being disagreeable. Toleration of conflicting opinions without resorting to violence is a fundamental necessity for any democratic society.

Section 3. The Council honors the tradition of being able to seek unified solutions based on findings of common ground to protect our inclusive society. The Council cherishes our diversity from its earliest beginnings to today because that is what makes America a strong and vibrant society. The Council continues to study and enact legislation that is borne of this conviction.

Section 4. The Metropolitan Council further declares its support for the core ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence that it is a self-evident truth that all people are created equal. The Council stands for that principle and devotes itself to the sanctity of equal treatment under the law.

Section 5. 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: Sheri Weiner, Dave Rosenberg, Fabian Bedne, Bob Mendes, Jim Shulman, Mina Johnson, John Cooper, Sharon Hurt, Tanaka Vercher, Jeremy Elrod, Jeff Syracuse, Brett Withers, Davette Blalock, Doug Pardue, Kathleen Murphy, Mike Freeman, Colby Sledge, Scott Davis, Karen Johnson, DeCosta Hastings, Nancy VanReece, Freddie O'Connell, Nick Leonardo, Burkley Allen, Anthony Davis, Bill Pridemore, Angie Henderson, Erica Gilmore, Mary Carolyn Roberts, Kevin Rhoten, Brenda Haywood, Larry Hagar, Robert Swope, Steve Glover

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Rules, Confirmations, and Public Elections Committee
Introduced:	September 5, 2017
Adopted:	September 5, 2017
Approved:	September 6, 2017
By: