In February 2022, USC quietly said they would forcibly close a locally-owned coffee stand on its Health Sciences Campus, which small business owner Nickii Park has run for over 20 years. In its place? A new Starbucks—the second on its campus—which will be run by USC and will divert all its profits to them. 

Park's coffee stand is her livelihood and only source of income. Now, she has nowhere to go. Despite Park's attempts to start a petition, USC officials ordered it removed and have attempted to keep the entire situation under wraps. 

This decision, while incredibly hurtful in itself, is also contradictory to USC's DEI Initiative (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Park is a woman of color, and the diversity and inclusion office, including Chief Officer Shannon Bradley, have ignored or denied any requests to retain the coffee stands.

Thanks to backlash from the community and Park herself, USC granted a temporary extension until October 31st for the coffee stand to remain open. However, they are not providing her additional extensions, and have made little effort to help Park either move her coffee stand or provide financial stability. 

USC has put money over morals, and this is a chance to show them that the community cares and to get this coffee stand reinstated before it is too late. We will not allow USC's administration to damage surrounding communities unchecked. We urge USC to renew Park's contract and remove their plans to build a Starbucks. Whether you are USC-affiliated or not, we hope you recognize that this is wrong and help us get back Park's livelihood.

Thank you!

If you wish to take further action, you can email the following people and let them know your thoughts:

Dr. Carol Folt | University President
president@usc.edu

Shannon L Bradley | Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Keck

sb10391@usc.edu