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A resolution condemning the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce's efforts to subvert democracy and eliminate the people's voice in determining who serves on the Metropolitan Nashville Board of Public Education.
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WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Nashville Board of Public Education ("Board of Education") is currently a representative body populated by nine members, each of whom is elected by voters in a distinct area in a quadrennial election; and
WHEREAS, all eligible voters in Davidson County currently have the right to determine who will represent them on the Board of Education; and
WHEREAS, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is the author and primary proponent of state legislation to replace the democratically elected members of the Board of Education with appointed members; and
WHEREAS, this legislation, in the form of a proposed amendment to HB2092/SB2021, is under consideration by both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to this legislation, the mayor would have sole authority to appoint Board of Education members; and
WHEREAS, further, this legislation would give the mayor sole authority to remove Board of Education members; and
WHEREAS, this legislation represents a dangerous, undemocratic leadership structure that takes away the public's ability to elect members of the Board of Education.
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 condemning the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce's efforts to subvert democracy and eliminate the people's voice in determining who serves on the Metropolitan Nashville Board of Public Education.
Section 2. The Metropolitan Council further goes on record calling on the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce to request the immediate withdrawal of this legislation and acknowledge that this legislation contradicts the principles of democracy, local control, and the...
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