To the Penn Community:
As extensively reported in the media, Penn is one of nine universities that recently received a proposal from the Secretary of Education and other senior leaders in the U.S. administration titled, “Compact for Excellence in Higher Education.” We have been asked to provide feedback by October 20, 2025.
The review and response to this proposal will rely on a set of principles drawn from Penn’s values and mission: freedom of inquiry and thought, free expression, non-discrimination, adherence to American laws and the Constitution of the United States, and our own governance.
The long-standing partnership with the federal government in both education and research has yielded tremendous benefits for our nation. Penn seeks no special consideration. We strive to be supported based on the excellence of our work, our scholars and students, and the programs and services we provide to our neighbors and to the world.
In the coming days, I will continue to seek the input of our Penn community, including our Deans, the Faculty Senate, University leaders, and the Board of Trustees, and I will communicate further as we continue to manage this process.
Sincerely,
J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD
President
University of Pennsylvania