schools
Fisk University ‘aware of the proliferation of environmentally harmful data centers’ as it vows to ‘do no harm’
By Li Cohen at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 23, 2026
· 3 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Fisk University has put out another statement amid ongoing backlash over the announcement of a planned data center on the HBCU campus. “Fisk University is aware of the proliferation of environmentally harmful data centers that have created issues in the communities where...
Key takeaway WSMV4 has confirmed that there are at least a dozen active data centers in the Nashville area and proposals for at least two more — the one at Fisk and another that would be adjacent to the Nashville Zoo.
Why this matters in The Nashville
Fisk University's vow to "do no harm" with its planned data center comes as the community is increasingly scrutinizing the environmental impact of these facilities. The proposal for a 70,000-square-foot technology center on campus has sparked concerns about noise pollution, public health, and the well-being of students. As the city considers regulations surrounding data centers, Fisk's commitment to responsible development will be closely watched. The university's location in a densely populated area of North Nashville means that any negative effects of the data center could have far-reaching consequences for neighboring residents and businesses. With at least a dozen active data centers already in the Nashville area, the city's ability to balance economic development with environmental protection will be put to the test. As Metro Government departments work to identify tools to address potential adverse impacts, Fisk's approach will be a key factor in determining the success of these efforts.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Fisk University has put out another statement amid ongoing backlash over the announcement of a planned data center on the HBCU campus. “Fisk University is aware of the proliferation of environmentally harmful data centers that have created issues in the communities where...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Li Cohen at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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