Guest Column |Reflections of a Penn community organizer, W‘67

On May 13, an article in the Daily Pennsylvanian discussed my intention to create a conversation over alumni weekend about President Trump’s association with the University, by wearing and offering pins that said “UPenn: Denounce Trump.” The online commentary mostly deplored my action, calling button bearers “snowflakes” and “adult children”. One said, “Most universities would be PROUD.” They deserve a response. As a 50 year student of administrative science, I felt that Penn needed a “system power move”. (Defn: a high leverage, small action that makes a difference; exemplar: Pussy Riot.) I wanted reiterate the demand made by many others that the University to take a stand on Trump.