Advancing the recommendation put forth from both the University’s Task Force on Antisemitism and the Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community, Interim President J. Larry Jameson and Provost John L. Jackson Jr. today set forth the charge for the Open Expression Task Force.
Chaired by Lisa Bellini, senior vice dean for academic affairs in the Perelman School of Medicine and chair of the University’s Committee on Open Expression, and Sigal Ben-Porath, MRMJJ Presidential Professor of Education and faculty director of the SNF Paideia Program, the Open Expression Task Force will oversee the process of reviewing the Open Expression guidelines and the Temporary Standards and Procedures for Campus Events.
“I am grateful to Lisa Bellini and Sigal Ben-Porath for agreeing to chair this important work in support of the University of Pennsylvania’s foundational commitment to freedom of thought, inquiry, speech, and lawful assembly,” said Jameson. “It is essential in an academic environment with diverse views and voices that from time to time the Guidelines on Open Expression are reviewed to ensure they align with best practices nationally, while reflecting our sincere desire to facilitate free expression and mutual respect for everyone in our campus community.”
The Task Force is charged with these responsibilities:
Revising and making recommendations for the current structure, standards, and processes of the Guidelines on Open Expression, including the Temporary Standards and Procedures for Campus Events;
Identifying any procedural and substantive issues that challenge the application of the Open Expression guidelines or that limit their effectiveness;
Reviewing the roles and jurisdiction of parties responsible for applying and enacting the Guidelines and related policies; and
Reviewing the Open Expression Observer program and making any required updates to its structure and practices which would ensure it meets contemporary needs.
“We look forward to serving with such committed colleagues and students,” said Bellini and Ben-Porath. “We look forward to considering with them ways to secure a broad space for speaking and listening in our community.”
The Task Force will present for review preliminary recommendations to Committee on Open Expression (COE) by the end of the fall 2024 semester. Recommendations will undergo further review and consideration by University Council and the Faculty Senate Executive Committee during the spring 2025 semester. Final recommendations will be presented to the Interim President no later than May 31, 2025.
Full membership of the task force
Lisa Bellini, Chair
Senior Vice Dean for Academic Affairs
Perelman School of Medicine
Sigal Ben-Porath, Chair
Faculty director, SNF Paideia Program
MRMJJ Presidential Professor of Education
Graduate School of Education
Members
Ria Ellendula
Undergraduate Assembly President
School of Arts & Sciences
Vivian Gadsden
William T. Carter Professor of Child Development and Education
Graduate School of Education
Josh Kayser
Professor of clinical medicine
Professor of medical ethics and health policy
Perelman School of Medicine
Sanjeev Khanna
Henry Salvatori Professor, Department of Computer and Information Science
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Ken Leichter
Senior Judicial Case Manager
Center for Community Standards and Accountability
Joelle Lingat
GAPSA President
School of Social Policy & Practice
Desmond Patton
Brian and Randi Schwartz University Professor
Penn Integrates Knowledge University Professor
School of Social Policy & Practice and Annenberg School for Communication
Wendell Pritchett
James S. Riepe Presidential Professor of Law and Education
Penn Carey Law School
Amy Sepinwall
Associate professor of legal studies and business ethics
Wharton School
Daniel Singer
Associate professor of philosophy
Associate professor of legal studies and business ethics
School of Arts & Sciences
Ex Officio
Wendy S. White
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
