TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Jul 28, 2023

The Franklin Ethics Commission has found that Alderman Gabrielle Hanson violated two provisions of the city’s ethics code and recommended that she be censured. WPLN reports that the commission found that Hanson used her position as an elected official to attempt to solicit gifts and secure privileges for the African American Heritage Society, violating sections I-805 and I-808 of the Franklin Municipal Code. The hearing stems from an email that Hanson sent in early June to Nashville International Airport (BNA) President Doug Kreulen. Hanson asked the airport to withdraw financial support from a Juneteenth festival put on by the Franklin Justice and Equity Coalition — an organization she characterized as “radical” and anti-police — or send an equal donation to the African American Heritage Society.