Immigration agents are seen on video as they arrest five Guatemalan men near 20th and Morris Streets in Philadelphia on July 6, 2025. Obtained by The Inquirer by Anonymous, 2025 Before I ever sat in a lecture hall at Penn, I cleaned the Alpha Tau Omega house on 39th St. That summer of 2019, rightContinue reading “ICE out of Philly”
Author Archives: penndisorientationguide
How Penn Gentrifies
Mel Hairston, resident at the UC Townhomes, protests with Fossil Free Penn to save UC Townhomes on Monday, Sept. 26, 2022. Photo by Siena Christopherson by Anonymous, 2025 Following a period of relatively cordial relations established by William Penn himself and ended by his death, his sons engaged in a legalistic swindle of the Lenape’sContinue reading “How Penn Gentrifies”
History of Organizing Last Year at Penn
A lot happened last year. September 9/4-9/10: Disorientation Week A collective of student activists published the annual Penn Disorientation Guide and hosted a week of educational and community events in collaboration with Penn and Philadelphia organizations. 9/22: Palestine Writes Literature Festival A collective of Palestinian writers and allies welcomed hundreds of visitors to Penn’s campusContinue reading “History of Organizing Last Year at Penn”
For Palestine: Vignettes from the Encampment
A Genocide is ongoing in Palestine. A Genocide. A Genocide is ongoing in Palestine. It has not ceased and does not cease if we look away, and the University of Pennsylvania, with all its power continues to look away. It has not condemned Israel, and it has not divested from Israel. For this, Penn isContinue reading “For Palestine: Vignettes from the Encampment”
Resources for FGLI Students: From Professional Connections to Textbook Access.
We’ve compiled a set of resources that FGLI students can use to make their transition to Penn as seamless as possible.
The Enduring Connection Between Penn and Slavery
Penn and slavery had an undeniably intertwined relationship, in which both parties benefitted from the other.
Cultural Resource Centers: A Decades-long Battle
Over time, marginalized students and staff formed their own communities on campus and advocated for formal recognition from the University of Pennsylvania. These are their stories.
How Penn is Cheating Philly’s Public Schools
In Philadelphia, the poorest large city in the U.S., Penn is both the largest employer and largest private landowner. However, due to its federal status as a nonprofit institution, it does not pay property taxes.
On-Campus Organizations
There are many organizations at Penn striving to improve the University for its students, workers, and surrounding community members. We encourage you to find a group that aligns with your identity and values and get involved.
Off-Campus Organizations
There are countless Philly-based organizations doing transformative work in the city, whether that be in labor reform, housing advocacy, racial justice, or food security. Here are a few groups to get involved with!
Penn Disorientation Guide 