University leaders condemn English-only

Presidents unite to fight initiative

By Jennifer Brooks • THE TENNESSEAN • December 28, 2008

Nashville's colleges and universities presidents are joining forces to oppose the English-only ballot initiative.

The heads of the eight largest institutes of higher learning in Nashville sent a joint statement to The Tennessean, blasting the attempt to ban city service workers from communicating in any language but English. The proposed charter amendment goes to voters on Jan. 22, but early voting begins Friday.

"The irony of the city known as the 'Athens of the South' becoming the first major metropolitan community in America to pass 'English Only' is a distressing prospect," the two-page letter states. "As academic leaders, we are concerned about the impact — literal and symbolic — on our mission of teaching, learning, curing and discovering.