Chattanooga State Community College employees are asking the administration to protect them during the COVID-19 pandemic and to consider ongoing calls to address racial disparities.
Wednesday, on behalf of the college's United Campus Workers union, a letter was sent demanding job security, safety and to support diversity. There were about 68 signatures from employees and area residents.
The campus has 647 employees, with about 140 identified as minorities - 110 of them Black or African American.
Among the group's requests are budget transparency and a desire to aim salary cuts - if they are necessary - at those who make higher wages.
"The college makes vital contributions to the economic, social, scientific, artistic and intellectual vibrancy of our community. Without the work of the dedicated staff and faculty of the college, these contributions would not be possible and our community would suffer," the letter said.
Chattanooga State President Rebecca Ashford told the Times Free Press in a statement that she is aware of the letter along with her leadership team.
"[We] are committed to preserving jobs, providing a safe working environment, creating a more inclusive environment and transparency," she said. "We recognize this is a difficult time for everyone, and that we must support each other through it."
Contact Monique Brand at mbrand@timesfreepress.com.