WHEREAS the University of the South has hired the development firm Dollan, Pollak & Shram DPS) to conduct a land use feasibility study of the Lake Dimmick tract on the Domain, and
WHEREAS the mission of the University of the South is to prepare students "to search for truth, seek justice for all, [and to] preserve liberty under law," and
WHEREAS the University maintains its historic affiliation with the Episcopal Church, which "is dedicated to the increase of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom" and which allows "students [and faculty, staff, alumni, and residents of Sewanee] to live with grace, integrity, and a reverent concern for the world," and
WHEREAS the 2003 Management Plan from the Office of Domain Management specifically recommends that the reservoir of Lake Dimmick, which serves the University as a backup water source, be protected "from housing developments or any other activities that might endanger the sources of drinking water," and
WHEREAS Lake Dimmick is a local hub of biodiversity for rare plants and animals and provides the Domain with a wetland laboratory and a major recreational amenity,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the development of the Domain, specifically the Lake Dimmick area, is in keeping with neither the mission of the University nor the best interest of the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the Sewanee community,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Order of Gownsmen recommends that the Board of Regents suspend all work by DPS related to a "active-lifestyle-type" residential development, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Order of Gownsmen recommends that the Board of Regents immediately cease any consideration of commercial or residential development on the Lake Dimmick tract.