About

Office of Equal Opportunity Programs

The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

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University of Pennsylvania's Equal Opportunity Policy

The University of Pennsylvania’s special character is reflected in the wide variety of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty, students and staff who will constitute a vibrant community and help create an educational and working environment that best supports the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship.

Penn’s commitment to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination is fundamental to the University’s mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Penn is committed to ensuring that its academic, social, recreational programs and services as well as opportunities for admission and employment are available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to an individual’s legally protected class status. The Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, in collaboration with the Division of Human Resources and the Office of the Provost, oversees the implementation and administration of the University’s equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies and programs.

The University recognizes the right of members of the community to raise questions and pursue complaints of discrimination and adheres to a strict policy that prohibits retaliation for doing so. 

University of Pennsylvania's Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Statement

The University of Pennsylvania seeks talented students, faculty and staff with a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other class protected under applicable federal, state or local law in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. 

Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to:

The Executive Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs
Franklin Building, Suite 421
3451 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6205
(215) 898-6993

Questions, Complaints, or Concerns

Questions, complaints of alleged discrimination, or concerns regarding these policies or their implementation may be directed to:

Executive Director, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs.
Franklin Building, Suite 421, 3451 Walnut Street.
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6205.
(215) 898-6993 (Voice).
(215) 746-7088 (Fax).

 

Statements

The mission of the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs is to provide central leadership and support for the University's efforts to achieve an educational and work environment that is diverse in race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status as well people of all interests, abilities and perspectives. The office will ensure the implementation of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies through education, training and active partnership with others from the campus and the broader Philadelphia communities.

The University of Pennsylvania is a scholarly community that advances discovery and opportunity toward a better future for all. We embrace excellence, freedom of inquiry and expression, and respect. Penn’s culture is inspired by its founder, Benjamin Franklin—open-minded and curious, inventive and practical, exhibiting brilliance across fields, imperfect but self-improving, and relentlessly focused on enhancing social good. These values are enduring and inspire us to be a positive force for the world, while remaining anchored and committed to our Philadelphia home.

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