Upholding Academic Independence

Over the years, and with increasing frequency, leaders across the University of Pennsylvania have made public statements in response to external events. These statements addressed political, judicial, or military actions of social consequence, evidence of discrimination or violations of human rights, and natural disasters of human or ecological importance. Other universities and institutions have followed a similarly well-meaning trend. These public statements have offered a way to demonstrate that Penn is engaged and supportive of our University community, as well as our local community, alumni, and academic colleagues. Statements also allow institutional leaders to affirm a connection to University citizens personally affected by these world events. Students, staff, faculty, alumni, and others value acknowledgement of the impact external events can have on their lives. It is not surprising that these messages increased during the pandemic, when we faced unprecedented challenges and social connections were so desperately needed.

But there are also challenges and consequences to these messages. The plights to which they respond are substantive and deeply meaningful, but sadly these events across the world are almost limitless. Responding to one issue inevitably highlights issues and groups that receive no message-omissions that carry their own meanings, however inadvertent. In many cases, messages take sides, or may appear to, on issues of immense significance or complexity. Although there is alignment on the consequences of a natural disaster, economic, social, and legal actions, and even acts of war, have proponents and opponents.

It is not the role of the institution to render opinions-doing so risks suppressing the creativity and academic freedom of our faculty and students. Even as they seem to provide emotional support to individuals in our communities, institutional pronouncements undermine the diversity of thought that strengthens us and that is central to our missions.

Going forward, the University of Pennsylvania will refrain from institutional statements made in response to local and world events except for those which have direct and significant bearing on University functions. The University will issue messages on local or world events rarely, and only when those events lie within our operational remit.

This new approach will not be easy. The very reasons that have prompted past statements remain just as powerful today. Each of our institutional leaders came to these roles, in part, because of a strong moral compass. These individuals will continue to lead in this manner, but should not speak on behalf of a diverse community that is charged to create and debate new ideas. Every day brings risk of a natural or human-made event that tugs at our souls, and a community conditioned to receiving responses toward such events may feel their absence acutely. No established lines separate what is or is not of direct concern to University operations, so we expect occasional disagreement about where those lines are drawn. A great university such as Penn can use the debates that arise to grow stronger.

The goal and the outcome of quieting Penn's institutional voice is that the expertise of our faculty will be amplified. Faculty members play an essential role in educating the public and offering the insights borne from their scholarship and research. Penn is, and should remain, a trusted source of truth.

This policy is intended solely to guide the communications of University leaders-including the President, Provost, Vice Presidents, Deans, Chairs, and other leaders communicating in official capacities, where their statements may imply institutional positions.

By upholding our commitment to academic independence, Penn reaffirms a dedication to a culture of excellence, freedom of expression and inquiry, and respect-values that are fundamental to the dynamic and inclusive culture of the University of Pennsylvania.

Facing these challenges together is another way to enhance our institutional culture, develop our community, and live our values.

J. Larry Jameson
Interim President

John L. Jackson Jr.
Provost

Craig R. Carnaroli
Senior Executive Vice President

Sara S. Bachman
Dean, School of Social Policy & Practice

Sarah Banet-Weiser
Walter H. Annenberg Dean, Annenberg School for Communication

Jonathan A. Epstein
Interim Executive Vice President of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System and Interim Dean, Perelman School of Medicine

Steven J. Fluharty
Dean, School of Arts & Sciences

Andrew M. Hoffman
Gilbert S. Kahn Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine

Erika H. James
Dean, The Wharton School

Vijay Kumar
Nemirovsky Family Dean, School of Engineering and Applied Science

Sophia Z. Lee
Dean, Penn Carey Law School

Frederick Steiner
Dean, Stuart Weitzman School of Design

Katharine O. Strunk
Dean, Graduate School of Education

Antonia M. Villarruel
Margaret Bond Simon Dean, School of Nursing

Mark S. Wolff
Morton Amsterdam Dean, School of Dental Medicine

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