University Messages
Updates, resources, and calls to action from Interim President J. Larry Jameson and other University leaders.
Supporting our community in times of crisis
Penn is connected to and a part of the world around us. As our campus continues to be impacted by external events, these times are challenging for many in the Penn community. The University remains committed to supporting students, faculty, and staff.
This site brings together a variety of resources available to foster individuals’ safety and well-being, from University Life, Public Safety, and other campus offices. It also includes information about the Action Plan to Combat Antisemitism and the Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community.
As Interim President J. Larry Jameson wrote in a message to the community on April 22, 2024, “We are and must continue taking action that brings us together to meet the challenges of this time and to remain true to our educational purpose. We must also ensure that our campus stays safe, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone, regardless of background or ideology.”
Free Speech FAQs
Guidance from a free speech expert and scholar and Penn’s Student Code of Conduct.
Community Resources
Penn has a robust network of campus resources for students, faculty, and staff impacted by events on and off campus. We are committed to supporting the health, safety, and well-being of the Penn community.
Penn’s Action Plan to Combat Antisemitism
On Nov. 1 President Liz Magill launched Penn’s Action Plan to Combat Antisemitism in a message to the Penn community. A whole-University approach, anchored in the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, the Plan centers on three broad areas: Safety and Security, Engagement, and Education. Initiatives, both immediate and longer term, will direct Penn to provide for the safety and security of every member of the University community, engage deeply and meaningfully with the Jewish community and the broader Penn community to develop solutions to call out and combat antisemitism, and ensure that everyone at Penn is educated and knowledgeable about antisemitism.
Message on Penn Public Safety
Penn Public Safety is paying very close attention to the information circulating regarding the safety of our community and takes their safety and any threats very seriously.
As part of our planning, Penn’s Division of Public Safety has further increased security and support for religious, cultural, and other spaces where students gather on and near campus. At the same time, we will continue reaching out to leaders and groups across campus to offer support and inquire about their well-being.
We work in close partnership with our local, state, and federal partners to share information on protests, rallies, and other gatherings happening in the region, receiving multiple updates throughout the day. Public Safety will continue to attend gatherings to ensure the physical safety of participants and onlookers alike. Penn Police will take immediate action should there be any physical threat of harm and pursue it to the fullest extent of the law.
DPS members sit on the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and are in regular contact with Federal and other officials on these topics. We have reached out to our Federal partners for more information on how the new initiative will impact our ongoing working relationship. We will continue to work with our Law Enforcement partners to ensure the safety of the community which we serve.