Penn’s Office of Religious and Ethnic Interests has launched a new training program aimed at students and faculty to address rising concerns over discrimination, specifically antisemitism. This initiative follows recommendations from the University Task Force on Antisemitism and the Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community.
The training, which is accessible through Canvas for students and Workday for faculty, consists of several informative videos. These videos cover Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and outline Penn’s policies regarding equal opportunity and non-discrimination.
Steve Ginsburg, co-director of OREI, emphasized the importance of this training. He noted that it is a significant step toward creating a safe and welcoming environment at Penn. The aim is to help everyone understand their rights and how to report issues they encounter.
The training module details Penn’s Equal Opportunity Policy and Open Expression Guidelines. It highlights the types of speech and behavior that may need investigation, including examples of hostile rhetoric. For instance, a scenario presented involved derogatory comments directed at students wearing yarmulkes.
The module points out that such harassment could be viewed as a violation of Title VI protections. Additionally, it discusses other discriminatory behaviors, like offering unfair academic advantages based on race.
This initiative comes amid a backdrop of increased reports of antisemitism and other forms of discriminatory behavior on campus. In response to these rising incidents, OREI was formed in December 2024. However, it also faced criticism from some faculty members who argued it might interfere with academic freedom.
In the module, both Penn President Larry Jameson and Vice Provost for University Life Karu Kozuma shared their thoughts. Jameson highlighted the training’s role in fostering understanding and support within the university community. Kozuma stressed the collective responsibility to address any discrimination or harassment that occurs.
The university has set a completion deadline for this training by March 6, encouraging everyone to report any discriminatory incidents they may witness.
As discussions around campus safety and inclusivity continue to evolve, this training represents a proactive approach for educational institutions to confront biases and promote a culture of respect. This is part of a broader trend observed at many universities nationwide as they adapt to changing social dynamics and address increasing calls for support from diverse communities.
For further insights, you can explore data from the Pew Research Center regarding trends in campus safety and discrimination.
