A Vision for a New Future of the University of Pennsylvania
WE THE UNDERSIGNED SUPPORT THIS CONSTITUTION AS THE FRAMEWORK TO GUIDE THE UNIVERSITY FORWARD.
Recommitted to Benjamin Franklin's Vision
In this petition, we present a summary of a vision for Penn based on a set of common principles that will help it achieve this ambitious goal and stand the test of a turbulent time.
Intellectual Diversity
All ideas and values, regardless of origin or political nature, can be openly discussed, proposed, criticized, embraced, and rejected.
Civil Discourse
The University actively promotes the ethic of open and civilized debate among students, faculty, staff, and other members of its community.
Political Neutrality
Impartiality is a pragmatic policy. As an institutional principle, this neutrality is balanced by the complete freedom afforded to its faculty and students.
Respect & Tolerance
The University wholeheartedly embraces, encourages, and provides a welcoming space for the widest spectrum of perspectives within its community.
When Benjamin Franklin founded the University of Pennsylvania in 1749, his objective was to establish an institution dedicated to practical education and the advancement of society. His vision would make Penn distinct from peer institutions, like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, which at the time were affiliated with religious denominations. As such, for many years, no comparable institution existed in North America.
PennForward
Proposed Constitution
The Alumni Free Speech Alliance brings together alumni groups that have a focus on supporting free speech, academic freedom, and viewpoint diversity at their colleges and universities.
