Announcements

I write you today to share “In Principle and Practice: Penn’s Focus on Tomorrow,” providing a strategic framework to guide our path forward. This document is the result of a yearlong strategic planning process, shaped further by the initiatives we launched this fall. You can learn more at: https://in-principle-and-practice.upenn.edu/

Advancing Penn’s Action Plan to Combat Antisemitism, Penn President Liz Magill today announced the members of the University Task Force on Antisemitism. The Task Force, a centerpiece of the plan President Magill announced earlier this month, is charged with engaging broadly and deeply with all members of the Penn community to better understand how antisemitism is experienced on campus and to provide critical feedback and actionable solutions as part of Penn’s ongoing efforts to counter and combat antisemitism.  

Dear members of the Penn community, College and universities across the country are experiencing disturbing acts of hate on their campuses—Penn is no different. I write to condemn all acts of hate that are perpetrated on our campus, to affirm our responsibilities as members of this community, and to make clear that we take seriously and will vigorously pursue any violation of our policies or the law.

Last night, vile, antisemitic messages were projected onto several campus buildings, including on Penn Commons, Huntsman Hall, and Irvine Auditorium. Penn Police were notified and quickly responded, and a full investigation is currently underway. We will pursue this matter to the fullest extent and take swift action in accordance with our policies.

Penn President Liz Magill emphasizes increased campus security amidst investigation into threatening, antisemitic emails to Penn staff.

For nearly 300 years—we are looking forward to our 268th Commencement in June—Penn has created knowledge, shared it for good, and educated the next generation. With everything I have, I believe in the power and importance of our mission. It must continue, and it will continue. But this is a dark and difficult time for the world. And it is a dark and difficult time for Penn.

I write today to announce Penn’s Action Plan to Combat Antisemitism, our dedicated commitment to counter this evil on our campus and beyond. I also want to update you on additional steps Penn is taking on the related challenges of other forms of hate.

Message prioritizing the safety of our campus community

  Dear Penn Community, With heavy hearts, we write to share that Michael Gavin ’26, an undergraduate in the College of Arts and Sciences, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Michael was a native of West Chester, Pennsylvania. He attended the Hun School of Princeton and the Haverford School, where he was a deeply respected member of both institutions’ academic communities and athletic programs.

In the past few days, more than 50 current and emeritus Trustees gathered for two, virtual conversations. These were not formal board meetings, which require public notice and are held in a public forum with current voting Trustees, but rather opportunities for President Magill to update and seek guidance from Penn's leadership volunteers, past and present.