File #: RS2021-1254    Name:
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 11/8/2021 In control: Metropolitan Council
On agenda: 11/16/2021 Final action: 11/16/2021
Title: A Resolution to bring awareness to human trafficking in Tennessee and to encourage the hospitality industry in Nashville to post signage and attend workshops concerning human trafficking.
Sponsors: Jeff Syracuse, Freddie OConnell, Ginny Welsch, Tonya Hancock, Courtney Johnston, Russ Bradford, Brandon Taylor, Erin Evans, Sharon Hurt, Joy Styles, Colby Sledge, Emily Benedict, Bob Nash, Kevin Rhoten, Tom Cash, Gloria Hausser, Brett Withers, Tanaka Vercher, Thom Druffel, Nancy VanReece, Jennifer Gamble, Zulfat Suara, Burkley Allen, Russ Pulley, John Rutherford, Delishia Porterfield
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A Resolution to bring awareness to human trafficking in Tennessee and to encourage the hospitality industry in Nashville to post signage and attend workshops concerning human trafficking.
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WHEREAS, human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery in which victims are forced to work in various forms of exploitation, including debt bondage, forced marriage, labor and commercial sexual exploitation that are induced through force, fraud, or coercion; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County is committed to becoming a trafficking free zone ensuring that our community is prepared to recognize the signs of human trafficking; and
WHEREAS, a rise in Nashville tourists seeking entertainment, including commercial sex, increases the potential risk for exploitation and human trafficking. Traffickers will often seek major events and heavily populated areas for an opportunity to profit with little risk of penalty or punishment; and
WHEREAS, due to the isolated nature of this crime, many individuals are unaware that human trafficking exists in their neighborhoods. The first step is to educate through human trafficking awareness and recognition workshops. Nashville must work together to first educate and teach others how to spot this issue; and
WHEREAS, all lodging establishments in the hospitality industry are strongly encouraged to post signage concerning human trafficking. The signage should be at least 8 1/2 by 11 inches and posted near the entrance where it is in clear view for the public and employees. The signage should provide information for assistance as well as a tip line to report suspected activity; and
WHEREAS, the increase of human trafficking awareness and recognition workshops disseminated within the hospitality industry will lead to actionable solutions by law enforcement and nonprofit liaisons working together to combat human trafficking. The hospitality industry is strongly encouraged to get involved in combating...

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