News Summary
The University of Pennsylvania’s Carey Law School will close its Office of Equal Opportunity and Engagement and suspend the Sadie T.M. Alexander scholarship program. This decision follows pressure from the Trump administration regarding diversity initiatives. While current scholarship recipients will still receive support, new applications will not be accepted, raising concerns about the impact on minority students. The move has sparked criticism from alumni and local officials, questioning the university’s commitment to equity and inclusion in light of shifting federal policies.
Philadelphia – The University of Pennsylvania’s Carey Law School has announced that it will close its Office of Equal Opportunity and Engagement at the end of the summer. This decision comes alongside the suspension of the Sadie T.M. Alexander scholarship program, which provided full tuition to students focused on racial justice. These actions are being taken in response to pressures from the Trump administration, which has threatened to withdraw federal funding from institutions that do not comply with directives aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
The Sadie T.M. Alexander scholarship was established in 2021 to honor the law school’s first Black graduate and was intended for law students who demonstrated a commitment to advancements in racial justice. The initiative was put forth by the Black Law Student Association and implemented under the leadership of former dean Ted Ruger. As a result of the recent closure, the program has halted the acceptance of applications for the upcoming 2025-26 admissions cycle.
Dean Sophia Z. Lee stated that while the Office of Equal Opportunity and Engagement will be discontinued, Penn Carey Law remains devoted to promoting access and opportunity for all its students. The office has played a significant role in community engagement efforts, supporting dialogue initiatives, and addressing discrimination claims. However, the functions of this office will now be integrated into broader initiatives across the university.
There are growing concerns regarding these developments from the Penn Carey Law Black Alumni Association, which expressed alarm over the implications of these changes and how they contradict the university’s core values. The association’s chair, Harvetta Nero, who graduated in 2000, stressed the need for clarity on how closing the office aligns with the university’s mission.
Despite the pause in new applications, current Sadie Alexander scholars will continue to receive funding and programmatic support, although specific details about the future of the program remain to be clarified. The suspension of new applications and the closure of the office have been perceived as a capitulation to the current political climate surrounding DEI initiatives.
During the Trump administration, an executive order was issued requiring educational institutions to halt the use of racial preferences in admissions and employment. In response to these federal directives, the University of Pennsylvania has removed diversity-related language from its website and made adjustments to various initiatives throughout its schools. The changes at the law school reflect a broader trend within the university, as it strives to ensure compliance in light of the necessary federal funding it receives.
A growing number of community members are urging the university to reconsider its recent decisions, pointing out that these changes might negatively impact opportunities for minority students. Local officials, including Councilmember Jamie Gauthier and State Senator Anthony Williams, have criticized the university’s actions, suggesting that they represent a retreat from the principles of equity and inclusion. Critics are apprehensive that these developments may set a dangerous precedent for racial equity initiatives within higher education.
Previous controversies, particularly those involving comments from a professor questioning the academic performance of Black students, have intensified scrutiny concerning the law school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. As a part of its efforts to comply with federal regulations under the Trump administration, the office changed its name from the Office of Equity and Inclusion to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Engagement.
The implications of these significant changes at the University of Pennsylvania’s Carey Law School will continue to unfold as the university navigates the complexities of federal compliance and the pressing need for equitable practices in higher education.
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Additional Resources
- The Daily Pennsylvanian
- Wikipedia: Diversity and Inclusion
- Philly Voice
- Google Search: University of Pennsylvania DEI
- The Philadelphia Inquirer
- Google Scholar: Diversity Equity Inclusion Education
- NBC Philadelphia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Diversity
- CBS News Philadelphia
- Google News: DEI programs University of Pennsylvania
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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.
