NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Police said a noose was found at the site of the new Nissan Stadium.
Police confirmed they are investigating the situation.
Mayor Freddie O'Connell commented on the situation on Friday.
"We have spent a lot of energy, including going back to when I was on Metro Council on workplace safety. Obviously, this is an environment where we want to try as hard as we can to prevent scenarios that might be fear or hate-based," said O'Connell. "We've taken some steps, both with local policies, state policy, and partnership with them to try, again, to keep temperatures low and prevent hate incidents like this. It is very concerning, there is an open investigation. I know the Titans are cooperating with Metro Nashville Police and we'll see what that investigation turns up."
Statement of Tennessee Builders Alliance
This week, a racist and hateful symbol was discovered on our site. There is no place for hate or racism in our workplace. We reported the incident to law enforcement, suspended work, and launched an investigation. A reward has been offered for information leading to the identification of the individual responsible.
Counseling services are available to all workers. We are requiring additional anti-bias training for every person on site, and work will resume only after a site-wide standdown focused on inclusion and respect.
We are outraged and deeply saddened by this act. We are working in close partnership with our client, trade partners, and unions to ensure every worker understands that racism and hate have no place here. Everyone deserves to feel safe, welcomed, and treated with respect and dignity.
Nashville Building & Construction Trades Council (NBCTC) President Jacen Davidson issued the following statement:
“On behalf of all skilled trades workers represented across the Middle Tennessee and Nashville area, let me be clear; our unions have zero tolerance for any kind of racism, hate, or intimidation on the jobsites where we work. Acts of hate in any form among our work force will not be tolerated. Period. The NBCTC stands firmly in support of the ongoing investigation to identify the person(s) involved in this crime, and we will support any and all criminal proceedings that follow. We are working closely with law enforcement and the Tennessee Builders Alliance to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
There are several workers on this project, both union and non-union. Regardless of labor affiliation, we are all united in seeking justice as hate has no place in our industry.
We remain in close communication with project leadership and will continue offering our full support and cooperation throughout this investigation and the duration of the project to ensure a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for every worker.”
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at kelly.broderick@newschannel5.com.
Music lessons for just 50 cents! A Nashville music school has been providing that to area students for over 40 years including for the city's current mayor. As a child, I always wanted to take piano lessons. I was able to for about 6 months but had to stop due to family finances. I would have loved to have had access to a program like this at the W. O. Smith Music School.
- Lelan Statom
