Naperville Denounces Racism In Official Resolution

NAPERVILLE, IL — Naperville has adopted an official resolution that celebrates diversity and denounces "all acts of racism, intolerance and unlawful discrimination." The resolution was unanimously approved during the May 19 City Council meeting.

After written and spoken comments from more than a dozen residents and supporters, some sharing their own experiences with racism in the city, City Council member Benny White said he was "extremely pleased to hear everyone speak out about this issue."

Council member Judy Brodhead said, "This is such a positive development coming out of something that has been so negative." Brodhead went on to commend Naperville Neighbors United and members of the city's Asian-American community for speaking out to spearhead the resolution.

The resolution says, in part, "The City of Naperville expresses its disapproval and condemnation

of any racist, intolerant and unlawful discriminatory acts, including the recent attacks on
Asian Americans in Naperville."

It goes on to call upon all residents "to treat each other with respect."

The city plans to work with community groups, the Naperville Chamber of Commerce and Districts 203 and 204, in addition to other groups to "advance equity and inclusion to achieve a truly diverse, inclusive and tolerant environment for all residents," according to the resolution.

The resolution comes after a string of racist incidents were reported in the city over the past year, including an attack on a Chinese-American jogger in late March. In 2019, a Naperville gas station clerk was fired after a video showed him telling Latino customers to "go back to their country."