Like many of you, I have been devastated by the unconscionable deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and other innocent Black Americans. The social movement that has gained ground in recent days has forced all Americans to pay attention, and I am grateful to be a part of a community that is coming together in support of this movement and taking a stand against racism.
Penn is a proven leader in times of uncertainty, and as a University we are committed to deploying our knowledge for good where it is most needed. Recently, President Amy Gutmann and Provost Wendell Pritchett shared the following initiatives that Penn is putting forward as an immediate step at this time:
- Penn Projects for Progress, a new $2 million fund to encourage students, faculty, and staff to pitch individual or team projects that focus on eliminating systemic racism, increasing educational equity, and reducing disparities in healthcare
- Year of Civic Engagement, the all-encompassing theme for the 2020-21 academic year will include programs, workshops, and opportunities for students to engage with communities outside of Penn and is open to suggestions from alumni as activities are developed
- Campaign for Community, an existing initiative that supports projects that encourage dialogue to promote understanding around complex social issues including race.
To review their full messages, please visit the links below.
A Message from President Amy Gutmann A Message from Provost Wendell Pritchett
We thank our alumni for their courage, commitment, and concern at this time. Penn is listening and learning with a goal to create lasting change on campus, in communities, and as a nation.
Sincerely,
Hoopes Wampler, EdD GrEd’13
Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations
