News Summary
The University of Pennsylvania plans to shut down its Office of Equal Opportunity and Engagement at the Carey Law School. This decision follows federal threats to withdraw funding from institutions that do not comply with the Trump administration’s policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As a result, the school will also discontinue its Sadie T. M. Alexander scholarship, which supported students focused on racial justice. The university faces pressure from local officials and students who are concerned about potential violations of civil rights and the impact on vulnerable populations.
Philadelphia — The University of Pennsylvania is set to close its Office of Equal Opportunity and Engagement at the Carey Law School within the upcoming weeks. This decision arises amid federal threats to withdraw funding from educational institutions that do not align with the Trump administration’s stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
As part of this closure, the university has already taken down the office’s website, even before its formal shutdown later this summer. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Engagement previously offered resources, training, and DEI services, including a guide to report discrimination claims.
In conjunction with these changes, the university will no longer accept applications for the Sadie T. M. Alexander scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. This scholarship, established to provide full tuition for students dedicated to racial justice, was named after Sadie T. M. Alexander, who was the first Black woman to graduate from Penn’s law school in 1927. This move comes after the scholarship was initiated in 2021, following backlash against a professor’s remarks questioning the academic capabilities of Black students.
Impact of Federal Directives
The decision to dismantle the Office of Equal Opportunity and cease the scholarship is rooted in ongoing federal directives. In January 2025, an executive order was signed by President Trump requiring universities that receive federal funding to eliminate DEI programs that allegedly violate federal civil rights laws. Subsequently, in February 2025, Penn removed references to diversity from its website and adjusted its equal opportunity policies to comply with this executive order.
In May 2025, Penn Medicine also eliminated its DEI websites amid the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Fraud Initiative, further indicating a broader trend towards reducing DEI visibility within the institution.
Responses and Reactions
In light of these changes, several senators and local officials, including State Senator Anthony Williams, have urged the university’s board of trustees to reconsider their decision regarding DEI program cuts, labeling the actions potentially illegal and unconstitutional. They express concerns that the university’s compliance with federal directives could pave the way for reduced protections for vulnerable student populations, undermining the institution’s core values.
The interim president of the university, J. Larry Jameson, conveyed that the university is reacting to the changing federal landscape and the possibility of diminished funding. He also stated that a working group is being established to evaluate the effects of federal mandates on the university’s operations and overall mission.
Many students within the university have expressed frustration regarding these developments, perceiving a compromise of the university’s values in favor of financial security. A university spokesperson reiterated the institution’s commitment to non-discrimination in its policies and operations, amid ongoing concerns raised by elected officials.
Historical Context
The closure of the Office of Equal Opportunity and the discontinuation of the Sadie T. M. Alexander scholarship represent critical shifts in the university’s approach to diversity and inclusiveness. Since its launch, the scholarship aimed to empower students focusing on racial justice, thus reflecting the growing measurement of DEI initiatives across educational institutions nationwide.
As the university navigates these changes, it will continue to face scrutiny regarding its commitment to equity and inclusivity in the face of external pressures. With the dynamic political landscape influencing higher education policies, stakeholders remain vigilant in monitoring how Penn will adapt to align its mission with compliance and its stated values.
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Additional Resources
- The Daily Pennsylvanian: Penn Central DEI Website Stripped
- The Philadelphia Inquirer: University of Pennsylvania DEI
- PhillyVoice: Penn Law School Equal Opportunity Office
- Google Search: diversity equity inclusion Penn
- Encyclopedia Britannica: diversity equity inclusion
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
