A curious sign has been set up in front of Circle Park since the beginning of the Spring semester.  It reads, "Shame on John Petersen" in big red letters.  Most people think this is a reaction to former chancellor Loren Crabtree's resignation, but it is in fact something wholly different.

The Tennessee Carpenters Regional Council is displeased with the hiring of subcontractor Proffitt & Sons to do construction on campus.  According to the TCRC flyer titled, "Shame on University of Tennessee for Desecration of the American Way of Life," Proffitt & Sons does not offer adequate benefits such as health care and insurance that other contractors offer.  They believe that UT supports cheap labor by hiring this subcontractor.  When asked about the situation, The TCRC representatives tending to the sign refuse to make any comment about their stance or reason for protest.  They simply say, "Call John Petersen," and hand out the orange flyer.

Shame on University of Tennessee for Desecration of the American Way of Life -TCRC

President Petersen did not immediately return my call, so no official response from the University of Tennessee could be obtained. 

TCRC claims that because of reduced worker benefits, the community standards will lower and suffer from "crime and other social ills."

For more information, visit the TCRC homepage or click the orange picture to read the full flyer.