Dear Illinois students,
On December 2nd, Suburban Express sent out a racist and bigoted message to the public insulting our Chinese, Asian, and Asian American community at the University of Illinois. Suburban Express has a long history and extensive reputation of exploiting and publicly shaming those who provide negative feedback. That reputation is unfortunately upheld at other institutions where they profit from students there as well.
The Illinois Student Government condemns the recent statement from Suburban Express, as well as their history of mistreating our students, staff, and faculty. We further recognize the educational value that all students bring to this University. Our international students comprise some of the brightest in the world, and their contributions to our campus community are part of what makes this University so great. Additionally, we refute the implication that all Asian students are international students.
Suburban Express insinuates that Illinois taxpayers bear a disproportionate burden when it comes to the University, however in-State students pay thousands of dollars less than our international students. International students disproportionately pay more in obtaining an education from this great State, and the lack of consideration for their sacrifices and contribution is disheartening at best, and malicious at worst.
We would also like to take the opportunity to applaud Student Affairs for the statement they issued, which denounced their racist and bigoted statements, and encouraged “any potential future customers of this transport company to carefully investigate its record and customer concerns before using its services.”
We have received several concerns brought up by members of the campus community, and we will continue to do everything in our power to address them. We will continue to coordinate with the administration and other campus leaders to solidify the most effective response. The Illinois Student Government will refrain from using Suburban Express’ services and call on all University RSOs to do the same.
Here is what you can do to help. Call Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office at 1-877-581-3692, or visit http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/rights/civilrights.html if you would like to report the ad, or if you feel that you have been a victim of discrimination. We encourage all members of our campus community to make socially conscious decisions and purchases. Get involved on our ISG Committee on Diversity and Inclusion and or on a campus committee centered around culture and social justice here: https://studentaffairs.illinois.edu/collaborations/campus-committees-and-boards. Visit https://oiir.illinois.edu/ for more information on programming related to diversity and inclusion efforts at the University of Illinois.
We will not tolerate the deliberate targeting and mistreatment of our international students.
Raneem Shamseldin
ISG President
Joey Domanski
ISG Vice President
