VU language prof charged in Crafton threats

Police say longtime teacher of Russian admits he made harassing phone calls

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Metro Police filed charges this afternoon against a Vanderbilt University professor in connection with repetitive telephone harassment of Metro Councilman Eric Crafton.

David A. Lowe, 60, of 3000 Hillsboro Road, was issued a state misdemeanor citation which requires him to report for booking on Nov. 4. Police said he was identified as a suspect Monday and that he admitted responsibility for the calls when questioned by detectives.

Lowe is an associate professor of Slavic Languages and Literature at Vanderbilt, where he has been a faculty member for more than 25 years. Police spokesman Don Aaron said he told detectives he is presently on leave.

Over the weekend, Crafton and his family received six telephone calls that police said were of a threatening nature. The messages centered around the proposed English Only charter amendment which Crafton has pushed since earlier this year.

Crafton also reported receiving threatening e-mails regarding English Only, but Lowe denied sending any recent e-mail to Crafton, police said.

Last week, the Davidson County Election Commission certified the petition signatures gathered by Crafton to force a special election on Jan. 22 for the proposal to make English Metro government's official language.

Earlier this year, Crafton mailed English Only petition postcards to registered voters for those who supported putting the proposal on the ballot to sign. Some were returned with vulgarities and borderline threatening messages written on them.

English Only says all Metro business will be conducted in English, while also stating no individual has a right to services in any other language. The proposal makes exceptions for health and safety measures.