• What is a Bias Incident?: A bias incident is behavior that negatively targets individuals or groups based on their identity, including race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class. Bias incidents can happen anywhere, and can take the form of, but are not limited to, bullying, degradation, discrimination, harassment, intimidation, stereotypes, or threats. Bias incidents can negatively impact employment, academic success, and sense of belonging. We recognize that instances of antisemitism and Islamophobia have escalated, including on our own campus. In May 2024 the University released a Final Report from the University Task Force on Anti-Semitism and a Final Report from the Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community. In September 2024 the University announced the establishment of a first of its kind Office of Religious and Ethnic Inclusion. Although not every bias incident is subject to disciplinary action, there are many ways to address bias ranging from conversation to mediation, education, or formal complaints.
• What Penn policies address bias, harassment, and discrimination?: There are multiple policies that place limits on this type of behavior; here are a few: 
  • Penn’s Nondiscrimination Statement: Penn’s robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University’s mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status. Violations of this statement are governed by the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs. Learn more about Penn’s Nondiscrimination Statement here.
  • Penn’s Sexual Misconduct/Title IX Policies: Penn firmly believes that gender equity is a key component of cultivating an inclusive community. As a federally funded institution, Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational program or activity. Penn community members who have experienced sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, and/or gender discrimination are encouraged to file a Title IX report. Violations of this policy are governed by the Office of the Associate Vice President & Title IX Officer. Learn more about Penn’s policies related to Title IX here.
  • Penn’s Policy on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action: Penn is committed to ensuring that its academic, social, recreational programs and services as well as opportunities for admission and employment are available on an equitable and nondiscriminatory basis without regard to an individual’s legally protected class status. Penn also has policies regarding employment of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and qualified covered veterans. Learn more about Penn’s Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy here.
  • Temporary Standards and Procedures for Campus Events and Demonstrations: These temporary standards and procedures consolidate, organize, and clarify current guidelines and policies specific to events and demonstrations at Penn. The purpose of these temporary guidelines is to reinforce and reaffirm Penn’s commitment to open expression and, at the same time, ensure that protests, demonstrations, and other expressions of free speech are appropriately managed. Each member of the University community is expected to know and follow these guidelines. The guidelines prohibit demonstrations that threaten or advocate violence, create violence, or harass or intimidate Penn-affiliated individuals or groups on the basis of race, religion, national origin or ancestry, identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected class. In addition, the guidelines prohibit online harassment and the doxing of students, faculty or staff. The guidelines set forth numerous standards and should be reviewed carefully prior to planning any event or demonstration at Penn.

If you have experienced something that you believe may be bias, harassment, or discrimination, including online harassment, bullying, or incidents of sexual misconduct, we are here to support you. Consider reaching out to any of the following resources to help you navigate this situation. While all of these resources respect your privacy, please note that the resources listed within this section may be required to report information disclosed to them about incidents of sexual misconduct to the Office of the Associate Vice President and University Title IX Officer, who are responsible for overseeing investigations of complaints regarding sexual misconduct against Penn students, faculty, and staff: 

For Students

Office of Student Affairs

• Sara Pyle, Associate Dean of Students
  • Any student experiencing a challenge can meet with Dean Pyle to get information, resources, support, and guidance on possible next steps. Students can reach out to Dean Pyle by visiting her office (Tanenbaum 155), emailing sarapyle@law.upenn.edu, or calling 215-898-6064. 

For Staff

• Angela Cabrera, Human Resources Director
  • Any staff member experiencing a challenge can consult with Angela Cabrera to seek information, resources, support, and guidance on possible next steps. She can be reached by emailing angelacm@law.upenn.edu.

For Any Member of the Law School Community

Office of Equity & Inclusion

• Josie Pickens, Interim Associate Dean for Equity & Inclusion
  
  • Any member of the Law School community experiencing a challenge can consult with Dean Pickens to seek information, resources, support, and guidance on possible next steps. Community members can reach out to her by visiting the Office of Equity & Inclusion (T133), sending an email to josiebhp@law.upenn.edu, or submitting a meeting request here.

Faculty Ombudsperson

• Catherine Struve, Professor and Faculty Ombudsperson
  
  • The faculty ombudsperson is a faculty member designated annually by the Dean for members of the Law School community to address conflicts or concerns involving faculty members. If you have a matter involving a faculty member that you would like to discuss with the faculty ombudsperson, you can reach Professor Struve by visiting her office (Golkin 242) or emailing cstruve@law.upenn.edu.

Confidential Campus Resources

The resources listed below are available to all Penn community members seeking confidential resources for support, advice, and options. In matters regarding sexual misconduct, these University resources are confidential resources, meaning they are NOT required to provide information disclosed to them about incidents of sexual misconduct to the Office of the Associate Vice President and University Title IX Officer, but they can discuss with you whether reporting an incident is a next step you would like to take.

• African-American Resource Center
• Division of Public Safety Special Services
• Employee Assistance Programs (For Employees Only)
• LGBT Center
• Office of the Chaplain
• Penn Violence Prevention
• Penn Women’s Center
• Penn’s Office of the Ombuds
• Public Health and Wellbeing
• Student Health & Counseling (For Students Only)

 

University Human Resources

Employees seeking additional support from Human Resources beyond the Law School regarding workplace issues or concerns may contact Penn Human Resources:

Office of Staff and Labor Relations
Division of Human Resources
600 Franklin Building
3451 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6205

Tel: 215-898-1357
solutioncenter@upenn.edu

The University of Pennsylvania’s Nondiscrimination Statement, Sexual Misconduct Policy, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Violence, Relationship Violence and Stalking Policy, and Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy help ensure a campus environment in which all individuals can experience a strong sense of belonging. Penn Carey Law community members who have experienced a situation that may be contrary to these values or believe they have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct are encouraged to bring these concerns to the resources below:

To Report Incidents of Sexual Misconduct & Title IX Violations
SUBMIT A REPORT HERE

Michele Rovinsky-Mayer, Associate Vice President & Title IX Officer
The Associate Vice President & Title IX Officer oversees the investigation of reports against Penn faculty, staff and enrolled students alleging violations of the Sexual Misconduct Policy, which includes sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, and sexual harassment.

Office of the Associate Vice President & Title IX Officer
3901 Walnut Street, Suite 320
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3682
Appointments and Walk-Ins Welcome

Tel: (215) 898-2887
titleIXofficer@upenn.edu

 

To Report Bias Incidents & Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Violations
SUBMIT A REPORT HERE

Sam Starks, Executive Director, Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs
The Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs oversees the implementation and administration of the University’s equal opportunity, affirmative action, 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.

Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs
3451 Walnut Street, Franklin Building, 4th Floor, Room 421
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3682

Tel: (215) 898-6993
oaaeop@pobox.upenn.edu                                                                                                    

 

Establishment of the Office of Religious and Ethnic Inclusion (Title VI) 

On September 5, 2024, Interim President J. Larry Jameson announced the establishment of an Office of Religious and Ethnic Inclusion to ensure that Penn can continue to fulfill its obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Penn’s anti-discrimination policies. This new office is scheduled to launch in fall 2024 and will be the sole University-wide point of contact for receiving and responding to reports of alleged violations of our policies against religious and ethnic discrimination. 

 

Anonymous Reporting: Individuals wishing to remain strictly anonymous can report bias incidents, sexual misconduct, and/or potential equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Title IX violations through the University’s 215-P-COMPLY line by dialing 215-P-COMPLY (215-726-6759) or by submitting a report to the online reporting forms listed above. Please note, submitting an anonymous report may limit the University’s ability to fully respond to complaints.