penndisorientationguide

Penn’s Treatment of Indigenous Peoples

n Pennsylvania, there are no federally recognized Indigenous tribes, even though more than 18,000 Native Americans live within the state. This sets the tone for understanding the University of Pennsylvania’s relationship with local Native communities and with Native students. It is a relationship

How Penn is Cheating Philly’s Public Schools

Protesters march on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania demanding the school and Drexel University pay PILOTS to support Philadelphia schools on March 30, 2021. A black student in a blue coat holds up a sign that says, "Pay your fair share PILOTs now!!" Another protestor in the background holds a sign that reads, "Fund our schools not police."

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.

The Enduring Connection Between Penn and Slavery

Two community members protest Penn's possession of the Morton Collection of skeletons from enslaved people. A white man with dark hair and a Black woman hold signs that read "RETURN THEM ALL."

Penn and slavery had an undeniably intertwined relationship, in which both parties benefitted from the other.

A Brief and Violent History of Campus Policing

Protesters gather outside of the Penn Police headquarters. A Black woman holds a microphone in front of a white banner with black text that reads: Pay PILOTs Now #PoliceFreeCampus.

Universities in the U.S., like the police, have deep historical connections with two pillars of this country’s founding, stolen African labor and stolen indigenous land. Campus policing, while a newer development, aligns with and leads Penn’s legacy of violence.

Remembering the MOVE Bombing

The MOVE bombing killed 11 people, including 5 children, and leveled two blocks containing over 60 homes. This image shows the massive destruction in the following days.

In 1985, in what should be considered one of the greatest national tragedies in recent history, the Philadelphia government used military explosives over MOVE’s headquarters in the neighborhood of Cobbs Creek in West Philadelphia. Understanding both Philadelphia’s and Penn’s role in terrorizing the Black activists who were impacted by the bombing is crucial for any student who attends the University.

Save the People’s Townhomes: A Fight for Affordable Housing in Philadelphia

Students and community members gather in front of the Ben Franklin statue at College Hall to demand that Penn take action to stop the sale of the UC Townhomes. At the center of the image, two organizers hold a white banner with black text that reads: "SAVE THE UC TOWNHOMES!"

On Dec. 14, 2021, the Coalition to Save UC Townhomes, comprised of residents, housing justice organizers, the Black Bottom Tribe, West Philadelphia community members, and Penn faculty and students, held their first action: a demonstration on campus calling on Penn to honor the Trustees’ 1969 commitment to a policy of accountability.

A History of Displacement: Penn’s Broken Promises to the Black Residents of “University City”

A mosaic of a map of West Philadelphia's Black Bottom neighborhood.

As Penn’s endowment grows to over $20 billion and develops real estate across the city, tens of thousands of Philadelphians are struggling to find housing, turning to friends for shelter or living on the street. Penn is not just complicit in this violent inequity; it is one of its foremost perpetrators.

A Case of Institutional Failure: Penn’s Response to COVID-19

A white girl in a mask and a winter jacket stands at a table in one of the COVID testing tents on Penn's campus.

Over the past three years, the COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the globe. So much loss could have been avoided if the people leading our institutions took the right steps to save lives instead of protecting their reputations and profits. Penn is no exception.

Sexual Violence at Penn

Unfortunately, like most universities, Penn has a poor record of supporting survivors of sexual assault. When individuals do try to hold perpetrators of harm accountable, they are often left retraumatized and unsatisfied.

How Frats Get Away with Shit: A History of Greek Life, Violence, and Impunity at Penn

Greek life commands university space and identity. In fact, a whopping 25% of students belong to Greek life at Penn. Not only are fraternities a physical force to be reckoned with on campus, they’re deeply embedded into University bureaucracy.