In a recent government meeting, the Metropolitan Department of Law proposed a resolution to settle claims made by Jonathan Saad against the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County for $150,000. This amount is to be drawn from a $3 million fund allocated for resolving issues related to the Arts Commission.

The proposal, which was met with significant opposition from several council members, was discussed following a committee report that recommended its approval. Council Member Stiles expressed her concerns, stating that the settlement was unnecessary and that Saad's claims lacked validity. She emphasized the need for transparency and trust within the Metro Arts community, suggesting that the settlement would undermine efforts to rebuild that trust.

Council Member Parker echoed these sentiments, arguing that the claims of discrimination and retaliation were not substantiated and that the settlement would not address ongoing issues within the Arts Commission, particularly regarding equitable funding for arts organizations. He urged Metro Legal to defend the case rather than settle.

Council Member Welsh raised additional concerns about the vagueness of Saad's claims and the potential precedent set by settling such disputes without thorough investigation. She highlighted discrepancies in the proposed settlement compared to other claims against Metro, particularly a wrongful death suit that involved a lower settlement amount.

Council Member Huffman also opposed the settlement, arguing that it detracted from funding available for artists and that the city should prioritize defending itself against claims rather than opting for settlements. He noted that the settlement amount was not only disproportionate but also a poor use of funds intended for the arts community.

Metro Legal's representative explained that the settlement figure was derived from an assessment of potential damages and the unpredictability of jury outcomes, suggesting that settling was in the best interest of the city given the circumstances.

As discussions continued, several council members reiterated their opposition, emphasizing the importance of addressing discrimination claims through the judicial system to ensure accountability and transparency. The meeting highlighted a significant divide among council members regarding the approach to handling claims against the city and the implications of settling such disputes.