Council considers diversity measure

By HAYES HICKMAN, hickman@knews.com November 22, 2005

While it wouldn't impose any formal change in city policy, a seemingly benign resolution supporting dignity and respect for all people is on Knoxville City Council's agenda tonight.
It is hoped to have much farther-reaching effects.

"It's a very broad affirmation that we live in a very diverse community," said Councilman Chris Woodhull, who's co-sponsoring the measure. "I don't think we've said that in quite some time, if ever at all."

And by saying as much, Woodhull said he hopes the public might recognize Knoxville's gains toward inclusion that have been made in recent years and continue to try harder.

The resolution goes beyond the current nondiscrimination clauses included in city ordinances to recognize people regardless of sexual orientation or citizenship status, as well as race, creed, color, disability, national origin or gender. Woodhull said he would like to see the city somehow formalize such added protections in future.

"But I don't think you can deal with a lot of those complex issues until you say, 'Welcome, we recognize you," he said. "It seems like a real benign sort of thing, but I think it's important, and I hope it'll set the stage for a larger discussion. I'm not as interested in making in-roads with people who already agree."

And for now, a simple resolution may do more to continue that progress than any new law on the books, added Councilman Bob Becker, the item's other co-sponsor.

"The more significant thing isn't what an ordinance would say, but how the real world works," Becker said. "You can't legislate people's behavior. But talking about respect and dignity moves us down that road some."

Becker cited the recently established Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Race Relations Center of East Tennessee as examples of the sort of growing awareness in the community.

He also highlighted the fact that all Knoxville police officers can speak some Spanish. "You treat people with dignity and respect by learning how to communicate with them," Becker said.
Hayes Hickman may be reached at 865-342-6323.