Rep. Justin Jones says AI data centers "not good to build at an HBCU"
Representative Justin Jones, an alumnus of Fisk University, held a press conference to speak out against plans to build an AI data center on the campus. He argued that the project would be detrimental to both the university and the surrounding North Nashville community, particularly impacting nearby public housing, a high school, and student dormitories. Jones accused data center corporations of preying on Black and brown, and poor communities, suggesting the project would not be considered for wealthier institutions like Vanderbilt.
On June 10, Representative Justin Jones (D-Nashville) held a press conference outside Fisk University to voice strong opposition to the university's plans for an AI data center. Speaking as an alumnus, a lifetime member of the alumni association, and a former professor at Fisk, Jones invoked the spirit of John Lewis, urging action against what he called an "unjust" and "unfair" project.
Jones emphasized that the proposed AI data center would be built just blocks away from public housing, Martin Luther King High School, and student dormitories. He criticized the notion that such corporations "prey on communities of least resistance," specifically highlighting Black and brown communities and poor communities. Jones questioned why such a project, if truly beneficial, would not be pursued at institutions like Vanderbilt University, accusing developers of exploiting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
The representative conveyed a clear message to the people of Nashville: if an AI data center is not suitable for a zoo (a reference to another local controversy), then it is certainly not good for an HBCU or for the heart of North Nashville. His remarks underscored concerns about environmental justice, community impact, and perceived exploitation in the siting of data centers.