Guess Who’s Not Coming to Dinner: Nashville Tells Teens in Rehab They Are Unwelcome in the City

City Changes Zoning Laws to Stop Rehab Treatment Facility from Opening

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 10, 2007—In a move reminiscent of a 1960s-era Sidney Poitier film, the city of Nashville has permanently halted the use and occupancy of a new residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment facility. The facility is a non-profit, Tennessee-licensed, healthcare facility operated by the ministry Teen Challenge.  In February, Teen Challenge was notified that the Nashville Metro Council had amended city zoning laws to disallow rehabilitation services as a permitted use of land in the area where the ministry had purchased its property. This zoning change effectively blocked Teen Challenge's ability to use its newly purchased land-and newly renovated building-for the purpose of providing rehabilitative services to youths battling addictions.

"At issue here is whether or not those who are considered 'undesirable' can be denied access to housing," said Attorney Larry Crain of the American Center for Law and Justice, counsel for Teen Challenge. "Most Americans would hope that kind of injustice would not exist today. The actions of the Nashville Metro Council demonstrate that discrimination is alive and well and living in Music City."

The Nashville Metro Council's move to change the zoning laws was part of a series of efforts to block the arrival of Teen Challenge-and those they serve-in the Goodlettsville neighborhood. The amendment that led to the change was put forth by Councilman Rip Ryman who had previously voiced his approval of the residence, all the while working behind the scenes to keep the organization from receiving its necessary permits. Ryman is on record making racially-charged comments about the individuals who use Teen Challenge's services, most of whom are African-American.

In response to the Council's action, Teen Challenge filed suit with the middle district court of Tennessee on June 26, 2007. The suit (available online at www.paceer.com) argues that the rights of individuals who participate in the services offered by Teen Challenge have been violated under the Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.

The City of Nashville issued an answer to the complaint on August 10, 2007 in U.S. District Court. The Court will consider the matter next week in preparation for advancing the case to trial.

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice specializes in constitutional law and is based in Washington, D.C. The ACLJ is online at www.aclj.org. The ACLJ's online newsroom, which includes downloadable high-res images and bios of principals, can be found at www.DeMossNewsPond.com/aclj.

 

-30-