About

Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs

The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

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University of Pennsylvania's Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy

The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the diversity of the Penn community. Diversity is prized at Penn as a central component of its mission and helps create an educational and working environment that best supports the University's commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship. We seek talented faculty, students and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status.

Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Penn is committed to ensuring that its academic, social, recreational programs and services as well as opportunities for admission and employment are available on an equitable and nondiscriminatory basis without regard to an individual's legally protected class status. Penn also has written affirmative action programs to address any underrepresentation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and qualified covered veterans.

The Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, in collaboration with the Division of Human Resources and the Office of the Provost, oversees the implementation and administration of the University's equal opportunity, affirmative action, and nondiscrimination policies and programs. The University recognizes the right of members of the community to raise questions and pursue complaints of discrimination and adheres to a strict policy that prohibits retaliation for doing so.

Nondiscrimination Statement

The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices.

Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to:

The Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs
Franklin Building, Suite 421
3451 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6205
(215) 898-6993

Questions, Complaints, or Concerns

Questions, complaints of alleged discrimination, or concerns regarding these policies or their implementation may be directed to:

Executive Director, Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs.
Franklin Building, Suite 421, 3451 Walnut Street.
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6205.
(215) 898-6993 (Voice).
(215) 746-7088 (Fax).

 

Statements

The mission of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs is to provide central leadership and support for the University's efforts to achieve an educational and work environment that is diverse in race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status as well people of all interests, abilities and perspectives. The office will ensure the implementation of equal opportunity, affirmative action, and nondiscrimination policies through education, training and active partnership with others from the campus and the broader Philadelphia communities.

RESOLVED, that the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania adopt in principal and practice the following statement on diversity: Penn rejoices in the rich diversity of persons, groups, views, and academic disciplines and programs that grace the campus of the nation's first university. Tapping our diversity to strengthen ties across all boundaries enriches the intellectual climate and creates a more vibrant community. Fostering and nourishing this diversity, especially among students, faculty, staff, and trustees must remain central to the core missions of the University. (adopted 2/15/2002)

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University Values

The University of Pennsylvania is a scholarly community that advances discovery and opportunity toward a better future for all. We embrace excellence, freedom of inquiry and expression, and respect. Penn’s culture is inspired by its founder, Benjamin Franklin—open-minded and curious, inventive and practical, exhibiting brilliance across fields, imperfect but self-improving, and relentlessly focused on enhancing social good. These values are enduring and inspire us to be a positive force for the world, while remaining anchored and committed to our Philadelphia home.