Vanderbilt, Nashville Firefighters, and congregations support Metro NDO

Vanderbilt University, Local 140 IAFF (Nashville Firefighters), two neighborhood associations, and now six congregations have joined the broad-based list of organizations supporting the non-discrimination ordinance that protects Metro employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The updated list is now available.

The ordinance is on second reading at Metro Council tonight.

Update: I was just informed that the Belmont-Hillsboro Neighbors have voted to endorse the Metro non-discrimination ordinance.

Update 2: Vanderbilt's own release on joining the list:

Vanderbilt University has joined the list of endorsers of a non-discrimination ordinance making its way through the Metro Council, which is scheduled to take the second of three required votes tonight.

The ordinance would make it illegal to discriminate because of sexual orientation or gender identity when it comes to hiring, promotion or firing of Metro Nashville employees.

“Vanderbilt has had a similar non-discrimination policy in place for several years, and it reflects the kind of open, inclusive and tolerant environment that Vanderbilt strives to create and that our faculty, staff, students and visitors expect,” said Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos. “The proposed Metro ordinance likewise sends a positive message about the city, which Vanderbilt so proudly calls home.”

Nashville has no legal protections against employee discrimination based on sexual orientation, which 170 cities and counties along with half of the United States have already put in place. Federal rules banning such discrimination have been in place for more than a decade.

“I appreciate that Vanderbilt has had this policy in place for so many years, and it’s time for the rest of Nashville to catch up,” said Councilwoman Megan Barry, an at-large member of the council and the lead sponsor of the legislation.

Contact: Jim Patterson, (615) 322-NEWS
jim.patterson@vanderbilt.edu

Update 3: The Tennessee Federation of College Democrats have just joined the list.