WSMV Channel 4 Faith leaders to hold vigil for TTU custodians

Faith leaders to hold vigil for TTU custodians

On Monday night, religious leaders will gather at Tennessee Technical University to oppose a plan that would outsource the school's custodians.

The prayer vigil will begin at 5 p.m. on the main quad near the university's nursing building.

According to published reports, administrators at Tennessee Tech plan to outsource custodians in an effort to save money.

"I don't know what I'll do if we get outsourced. I depend on this check, and I depend on this community," said Tech custodian Terri Stidham, who has served Tech for 13 years. "To be just thrown out like garbage, well that hurts, and it's not right."

Vigil organizers are encouraging people of all faiths to attend Monday's gathering.

"It is important that we take a stand," said Reverend Pat Handlson of First Presbyterian Church. "Throughout the Scriptures, God calls on us to love our neighbors and to care for those in need. We are commanded to defend the cause of the poor and afflicted. That is why we are gathering; to speak up for those whose voices have not been heard; to be witnesses to the value of each and every person in our community."

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