The University of Pennsylvania (Credit: UPenn)
The University of Pennsylvania made significant changes to its nondiscrimination and affirmative action policies Tuesday, in response to an executive order issued by President Trump.
The executive order required federally funded universities to eliminate any diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. This also resulted in the university changing the name of it's campus office from the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs to the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs.
"As many of you are aware, President Trump has issued a series of Executive Orders, including one that rescinded Executive Order 11246, as amended, that had required the recipients of federal funds, like Penn, to take affirmative action to promote equal opportunity in employment," Interim President J. Larry Jameson said in a statement issued by the University. "As a result, the University has updated its Equal Opportunity Policy and Nondiscrimination Statement.
"The new policy and statement ... reflect Penn’s long-standing commitment to values of excellence, freedom of inquiry and expression, and respect. We understand that the revisions to federal laws and regulations can be troubling when they change rapidly. Please know that we remain committed to cultivating a culture that is open-minded and curious, inventive and practical, exhibiting brilliance across fields, imperfect but self-improving, and relentlessly focused on enhancing social good."
Provost John L. Jackson, Senior Executive Vice President Craig Carnaroli, and Interim Executive Vice President for the Health System and Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine Jonathan A. Epstein also were listed on the statement with Jameson.
A Penn spokesperson told Philly Daily that the University is currently "reviewing websites and programs to ensure they are consistent with our nondiscrimination policies and federal law."
