Implementing the Recommendations of the University Task Force on Antisemitism and Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community.
The University of Pennsylvania is predicated on excellence, freedom of inquiry and expression, and respect. These values are essential to a cohesive scholarly community where everyone can thrive and fully utilize Penn’s resources. Cultivating that community is Penn’s evergreen priority and includes implementing the recommendations of the University Task Force on Antisemitism and the Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community. This critical work, reflected below, is ongoing and evolving, and the stories below demonstrate forward progress towards implementing these recommendations.
April 4, 2025
At the ‘Scales of Suffering: Neo-Lachrymosity and the Writing of Jewish History’ conference, historians and other scholars gathered to unpack and reimagine the place of suffering in Jewish history.
December 17, 2024 | PennToday
Office of Religious and Ethnic Inclusion is the first of its kind nationally, formed in response to recommendations from the Action Plan to Combat Antisemitism, as well as the reports of the University Task Force on Antisemitism and the Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community.
October 28, 2024 | Penn Today
At the 2024 David and Lyn Silfen University Forum, former Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority Salam Fayyad and former Israeli Ambassador Itamar Rabinovich spoke about dialogue and diplomacy in the Middle East.
October 28, 2024 | Penn Today
The Penn Global Middle East Distinguished Visiting Scholar Initiative brings regional senior scholars to the University of Pennsylvania whose expertise and experiences enable a critical examination of the charged and complex issues shaping events in the Middle East.
September 23, 2024 | Penn Today
Deputy Provost Beth Winkelstein discusses progress following the Task Force and Presidential Commission reports.
September 18, 2024 | Instagram: Previewing Penn
Prospective students learned about Jewish life at Penn from Admissions Vice Dean and Director Jordan Pascucci and Penn Hillel Executive Director Rabbi Gabe Greenberg.
September 10, 2024 | PennToday
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.
September 10, 2024 | Penn Today
Penn introduces a statement on University Values, a priority recommendation advanced by the Task Force and the Presidential Commission.
September 5, 2024 | Penn Today
The new office ensures that Penn can continue fulfilling its responsibilities under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to protect students, faculty, and staff from discrimination based on their religion, ethnicity, shared ancestry, or national origin.
August 30, 2024 | Penn Hillel
Unrestricted donations to Penn Hillel may now be recognized as donations to the University, if the donor wishes.
August 30, 2024 | The Daily Pennsylvanian
Falk Dining Commons in Steinhardt Hall will remain open on weekends this year and is eliminating the $2.75 dining surcharge.
August 25, 2024 | Penn Today
With a newly redesigned New Student Orientation, the Class of 2028 and new transfer students built community and learned how to engage productively across differences. This year’s programs included a special Zoom workshop led by Interim President Jameson on the recommendations of the University Task Force and the Presidential Commission.
August 23, 2024 | Penn Today
Interim President Jameson welcomes the Penn community to a new academic year, shares important updates, and highlights the need to balance open expression with ensuring a respectful, inclusive culture where all can thrive.
August 21, 2024 | Penn Today
Chaired by Senior Vice Dean Lisa Bellini of Penn Medicine and Faculty Director Sigal Ben-Porath of the SNF Paideia Program, the Task Force includes faculty, students, and staff members.
August 6, 2024
Reporting to University Life and the Office of Social Equity & Community, Penn hired a Program Coordinator who is focusing on the needs and experiences of MENA (Middle Eastern North African) and Arab Communities.
August 20, 2024 | Penn Today
Penn Today sat down with Board of Trustees Chair Ramanan Raghavendran about his first six months and the year ahead. Among the topics covered, Chair Raghavendran reaffirmed Penn’s longstanding position that it does not support divesting from, boycotting, or sanctioning Israel.
August 9, 2024 | Penn Today
Winkelstein has been tapped by the Interim President and the Provost to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the University Task Force on Antisemitism and the Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community.
June 6, 2024 | Penn Today
Penn shares updated policies and procedures for when, where, and how open expression can take place.
May 30, 2024 | Penn Today
Interim President Jameson shares the final reports from the University Task Force on Antisemitism and the Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community.