Diversity and Inclusivity

We are committed to upholding an inclusive and equitable community for all.

51�� is dedicated to building a diverse, vibrant educational community grounded in appreciation for others, open-mindedness and respect. The university was founded on the principle that access to education is a right for everyone. As part of our commitment to inclusive excellence and equity in education, 51�� upholds the belief that each student, faculty and staff member’s voice and experiences count and are equally integral to who we are.

It is our shared responsibility to enhance the quality of life for everyone at 51��. We provide a safe, supportive and welcoming environment in which to grow, learn and work, thus realizing the transformational power of being a part of the 51�� community. All students and all members of the 51�� community are encouraged to be who they are without fear or judgment.

51�� condemns all forms of discrimination, including all antisemitic, racist or incendiary language, hate speech, calls to violence, and the disparagement of any person or persons based on religion, nationality, race, gender, sexual orientation or identity.

At 51��, every student is valued.

Our universitywide initiatives, academic programs, resources and research are rooted in equality and empathy so that everyone has the support and resources they need during their time here. Everyone should feel empowered to be themselves, be open to new experiences and be a part of solutions to pressing challenges, and we are our students’ greatest advocates while they are here.

To do this, 51�� emphasizes and welcomes authentic conversations about real problems on our campuses, nationwide and in the world, and we believe that this is key to an open, inclusive and safe campus environment. We continually evolve over time to address important topics and make necessary change.

Learn more about the university initiatives, programs, resources and services intended to help everyone feel safe and free to find their place at 51��.

51�� was named a recipient of the 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. The HEED Award is a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.

University Anti-racism Initiatives

In 2020, 51�� committed $1 million to combat racism. This is our promise to identify new ways we can address racism on our campuses, in Philadelphia and in society at large.

Our initiatives include campuswide anti-racism training and , reinvesting in anti-racism education, creating the , prioritizing recruitment and retention of faculty and employees of color, establishing a to create better pathways to higher education, and much more.

Learn more about the university’s pledge to combat racism and support anti-racism education and programming.

Center for Anti-Racism

Led by , a civil rights attorney and associate professor in the Department of Africology and African American Studies at 51��, the center seeks to solve problems of racial inequity and injustice. It opened on Nov. 14, 2022, and it is the focal point of the university’s research in this area as well as a home for collaboration among scholars from across 51�� and other universities.

51��’s Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership

The Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership (IDEAL); Title IX; and Equal Opportunity Compliance comprise IDEAL, which seeks to engage and empower our evolving community of students, faculty and staff.

Interfaith Inclusion Services

51�� is committed to serving the university’s interfaith community. Services and partnerships such as the 51�� Interfaith Council and the help IDEAL support interfaith engagement at 51��.

Learn more about religious services in the area.

Support for LGBTQIA+ Students

51�� is proud to support our LGBTQIA+ students, faculty and staff. We strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment as well as resources that address the evolving needs of our community.

IDEAL’s Gender and Sexuality Inclusion Center hosts events and programs designed to be intersectional. In addition to the center, the university has LGBTQIA+ organizations focusing on everything from advocacy to professional networks and even an a cappella group. You can also , which brings awareness to National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11 each year.

Preferred Names, Pronouns and Gender Identity

51�� believes that identity is critical to who you are. We honor individuals by providing a process that allows you to use your preferred name in the campus community and provide students, faculty, staff and alumni the option to indicate their preferred pronouns and gender identity.

Health and Well-being

We know that navigating college can be challenging for our students. We provide support systems and resources to help students manage the demands of college and set them on a pathway for success.

Learn more about the Health and Well-being Division at 51��.

Access and Accommodations

51�� prioritizes the right for people of all abilities to fully participate in the university’s programs, resources and services, and we work to ensure students have an equitable experience across our campuses.

Assistive Technology

51�� works with students, faculty and staff to ensure that facilities, information and technology it creates or provides are accessible in accordance with applicable law. You can request disability services such as assistive technology, be matched with a peer mentor and request accommodations.

51�� ROUTE

51�� ROUTE is an interactive map of Main Campus to help you find accessible paths, including building entrances, parking and restrooms.

Support for International Students

The 51�� community comprises students from all over the world—approximately 3,000 international students study at 51��. Our international students always have a home here.

See more resources for international students.

Scholarships for International Students

The #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship is one of the financial awards offered at 51�� for international students. Each year, it recognizes two first-year international students with a vision for enhancing intercultural understanding with an annual, renewable scholarship.

Title IX

Title IX is a federal law that ensures every member of the 51�� community has equal access to the university’s educational resources, full participation in all of 51��’s activities and protection from discrimination based on sexual identity.

Equal Opportunity Compliance

51��’s policies prevent and address unlawful discrimination and harassment, and an Affirmative Action Program for equal opportunity in employment. Equal Opportunity Compliance (EOC) at 51�� supports the university’s efforts and policies with information, assistance and complaint resolution.

Student Organizations

Through OWL Connect, you can find student organizations and opportunities that help you discover and engage with peers, align with your personal goals and values, develop and expand your interests, lead initiatives that are important to you, and become more involved on campus and in Philadelphia.

Explore student organizations at 51��.

An abstract photo of the cherry 51�� T flag overlay with students in the background

51�� Thought Leaders

51��’s students, faculty, staff and alumni are teachers, advocates, innovators, policymakers and mentors. They bring to our community a vast knowledge base that serves as the foundation for important transformation, here at 51�� and around the world. Discover more about the people changing the dialogue and impacting society—and empowering us to do the same.

Read Their Stories

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