title
A resolution condemning White Supremacy and the recent display of hatred and bigotry in Nashville and reaffirming the Metropolitan Council’s commitment to supporting and protecting all residents and visitors, regardless of race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.
body
WHEREAS, during the week of May 13, 2024 our city was subjected to a reprehensible display of hatred and bigotry, including the distribution of hate-filled leaflets by white supremacist extremist groups, targeting various communities within our city, and
WHEREAS, these leaflets were intentionally distributed throughout the Historically Black community of North Nashville, to spew hate at and attempt to incite fear among Black Nashvillians, and
WHEREAS, these leaflets contained grotesque caricatures and derogatory language, promoting racism, sexism, and homophobia, and seeking to dehumanize and intimidate members of the Nashville community, and
WHEREAS, xenophobic rhetoric and actions targeting immigrants and refugees have been on the rise, contributing to an atmosphere of fear and hostility toward those perceived as 'outsiders' or 'foreigners'; and
WHEREAS, hateful and exclusionary anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation has swept through the nation in recent years, emboldening extremists thereby creating a hostile climate; and
WHEREAS, the distribution of these leaflets represents a cowardly attempt to sow discord and hatred within our community, and must be unequivocally condemned by all who value tolerance, respect, and dignity; and
WHEREAS, the distribution of these leaflets is an affront to the values of inclusivity, diversity, and respect that we hold dear as a community, and must be met with a strong and united response from all sectors of society; and
WHEREAS, it is incumbent upon us as elected representatives to speak out against hatred and discrimination in all its forms, and to work tirelessly to promote understanding, acceptance, and unity within our community; and
WHEREAS, the Council seeks to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that protects not only the Black, immigrant, and LGBTQIA+ communities in Nashville, but leads to a safer Nashville for us all; and
WHEREAS, the diversity of our city is our strength, and we must continue to stand together in solidarity against hatred and bigotry and strive to create a city where all residents and visitors feel welcomed, safe, respected, and valued, and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council stands united in condemning these hateful acts and reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals within our city, regardless of race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby condemns in the strongest possible terms the distribution of hate-filled leaflets by extremist groups within our community, and further declares that any efforts to sow division and incite violence will be met with the full force of the Metropolitan Council. The Metropolitan Council further reaffirms its commitment to combatting racism, hatred, bigotry, and intolerance in all forms and to fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and dignity for all individuals.
Section 2. The Metropolitan Council expresses its support for all efforts to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for distributing these hateful leaflets, and calls upon law enforcement agencies to prioritize the investigation of such incidents.
Section 3. The Metropolitan Council urges residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or threatening activities to the appropriate authorities, and to stand together in solidarity against hatred, bigotry, and xenophobia.
Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.