Hi everyone,

Today is Sunday, April 6th, and campus looks different. Many trucks have relocated, are in completely different spots, or just aren't open at all. I've been in contact with an owner of one of the affected trucks, and he wanted me to share this letter with you. Some of the truck owners, including Kami, Ricky's, WokWorks, Dos Hermanos, Lucky Star, Pete's, and more, have come together to put a letter explaining the issues the trucks are facing and possible solutions. 

Unfortunately, Drexel's PD office would not take the letter! Their voices are falling on deaf ears, which is why we need help getting this to someone who will listen. As Drexel said in the forum, they are looking to "support and work with the trucks" - so here's your chance! 

Here's a link to the signed letter, but I'll copy it down below: 

"March 27, 2025
To: Drexel University Office of Public Safety
Subject:Request to Reconsider Overnight Truck Relocation Requirement

Dear Public Safety,
     We, the undersigned food vendors, have proudly served the Drexel University
community—some for over 15 years. During this time, our presence on campus has
become more than a livelihood; it has become a second home, built on countless
hours of hard work and commitment to the students, faculty, and staff we serve.

     We recognize and celebrate the growing vibrancy of food vending around campus.
However, any disruptions to pedestrian pathways, traffic flow, or institutional
operations have been entirely unintentional and often stem from miscommunication
or a lack of awareness of certain rules and ordinances. That said, we believe vendors
who repeatedly act irresponsibly or disregard safety measures should be subject to
fines or potentially barred from operating in the campus area. Any punishment,
however, should be applied individually—not collectively—so as not to penalize
those who continue to operate responsibly and in good faith. As dedicated workers
and community members, we remain committed to prioritizing the safety and
well-being of everyone we serve—especially the students who are central to our
work.

     The newly enforced rule requiring us to relocate our trucks every night would
directly threaten our ability to operate. While our trucks may not occupy officially
designated spaces, these locations have become essential to our visibility,
accessibility, and daily survival. We pay for our parking in these spots as well even
during closed hours. Losing these spots due to overnight parking restrictions would
mean lost business, customer confusion, and—for many—complete shutdowns.
Vendors who rely on third-party delivery platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash
would also be unable to function effectively without stable locations.

     Furthermore, many of the trucks we operate are aging and not built for daily
movement. Forcing us to relocate them every night puts immense strain on vehicles
that are already fragile. A sudden breakdown could leave us stranded, unable to earn
a living, and facing repair costs we simply cannot afford. For many, these trucks are
not just equipment—they are lifelines. Losing them, even temporarily, could mean
losing the ability to provide for our families and survive in an already unforgiving
economy.

     In addition, our trucks are equipped with a range of essential
appliances—refrigerators, coolers, heaters, and other temperature-sensitive
equipment—that require hours to properly power up and stabilize before we can
begin serving customers. Frequent relocation would disrupt this delicate process,
making it nearly impossible to prepare food safely and efficiently. Some units, like
freezers, need extended time and stable access to electricity before they’re even
functional. These delays don't just affect our operations—they directly impact the
quality and safety of the food we provide, and ultimately, the trust our customers
place in us every day.

     Beyond the financial and logistical challenges, this policy risks unraveling a
long-standing relationship between the university and a diverse group of small
business owners who reflect the spirit of the surrounding community. Many of us
are immigrants, first-generation entrepreneurs, or longtime residents who have
invested everything into these trucks. We are not just vendors—we are part of
Drexel’s daily rhythm, providing affordable meals, friendly faces, and a sense of
continuity that students have come to rely on. Removing that presence would not
only harm us, but diminish the unique character of campus life itself.

     We respectfully request that the pertinent department or personnel at Drexel
reconsider this policy. In this period of economic uncertainty, inflation, and financial
strain, we are already struggling to make ends meet. This relocation mandate could
push many of us past the point of recovery.

    We remain fully committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all.
We are open to discussions about adopting new precautions or regulations—and
reinforcing those already in place—provided they do not undermine our ability to
sustain our businesses.

   Thank you for your time and understanding. We trust you will consider this appeal
with the seriousness it warrants. Livelihoods are at risk, and we hope a fair and
practical resolution can be reached.
Sincerely,
Shah Khan
On behalf of the undersigned truck vendors"

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Additionally, as demanded in the petition update on Friday, Drexel has not yet issued a public statement by the deadline we have them in regards to whether or not they will continue the enforcement. This needs to be resolved quickly, as these small business owners' livelihoods are at stake! We will see if there is a response on Monday, as we are working on contacting more University Officials, but if not, we are considering further organized collective action. 

Please support the trucks that are still trying to show up and get parking! We will have more updates later this week.