Penn Students Rally Against Proposed Name Change for Diversity and Equity Committee at University Council Meeting

Wednesday’s University Council meeting was lively, focusing on two main topics: a proposed name change for the Committee on Diversity and Equity and updates from Penn Dining.

One big suggestion was to rename the committee to the “Committee on Belonging.” This change would require adjustments to the council’s bylaws. Penn President Larry Jameson kicked off the meeting, emphasizing the important role of Penn Dining in university life.

However, the proposal faced pushback from student representatives. Kaison Wills, a sophomore and political chair for the Association for Gender Equity, voiced strong concerns. He argued that removing “diversity” and “equity” from the committee’s name sends a troubling message. “It’s not just a name change,” Wills said. “It feels like a step back from the values that support marginalized students.”

Senior Vice President Joann Mitchell responded, explaining that recent legal changes prompted the reconsideration of the committee’s name. The proposed amendments suggest removing terms like “diversity” and “affirmative action.” The council chose to postpone the decision until the next meeting, allowing more time for discussion. Eric Feldman, former Faculty Senate chair, called this a crucial topic worthy of further dialogue.

On the dining front, Jameson shared that over 6,000 students are part of meal plans this year, highlighting that they serve an impressive 10,000 meals daily. Last year, dining transactions exceeded two million, creating many opportunities for students to connect over meals. He noted rising student satisfaction regarding dining options.

Following his update, Penn Dining representatives presented initiatives aimed at making campus dining more inclusive. They shared several upcoming projects designed to improve the dining experience for all students.

At the end of the meeting, representatives were encouraged to voice their thoughts and concerns. Discussions ranged from the status of part-time lecturers to federal research funding and appreciation for Jameson’s stance against a recent White House initiative.

Such conversations demonstrate the council’s ongoing efforts to balance community needs, evolving legal landscapes, and student voices within the university framework. For more information on university policies regarding diversity and equity, you may find resources at the U.S. Department of Education.

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