Guest Columns
Hakiem Ellison | As a West Philadelphian and a Penn student, where is my community?
In a guest column, Hakiem Ellison reflects on his life living in West Philadelphia and time as Penn student.
Mercedes Owens | Growing into my own Black excellence
Mercedes Owens, UA President and College senior, reflects on her time at Penn and personal growth as a Black student leader.
Cartoon by Faith Bochert & Valerie Wang | Making Sophomore Memories
Penn announced Tuesday that it would require all sophomores from the Class of 2024 onward to purchase a dining plan in addition to living in on-campus housing. Ostensibly an attempt to encourage community building, many see it as something else.
Paul Haaga & Theodore Ruger | Why honoring the rule of law means voting to convict Donald Trump
The rule of law does not run on autopilot — it requires active support, reform, and protection from all. Senate Republicans must vote to convict former president and 1968 Wharton graduate Donald Trump.
Giovanni Manfredi | Ninety-nine years ago in Rome, and one month ago in Washington, fascism rose
The parallels between the insurrection in Washington a month ago and the one in Rome nearly 100 years ago reveals important historical lessons about how fascism rose in Italy and how easily democracy can be lost.
Connor Gibson | A response to the leaked slideshow
In a guest column, Connor Gibson argues that the leaked slideshow shows Penn students still have a responsibility to build a more welcoming campus.
Penn Leads the Vote | Bring 2020 election energy into 2021
While 2021 features no big-ticket elections, the local candidates running for office will still have a large impact on those in the area.
AAUP Penn | Penn faculty need a meaningful voice in university governance
Penn's faculty have too long been denied meaningful representation and a substantive voice in University decision making.
Shriya Beesam & Ashna Yakoob | Why gendered clubs should be a thing of the past
Bloomers is moving away from being an all-female club to make a more inclusive space for those not on the gender binary. Other gendered Penn clubs should do the same.
Netter Center Student Advisory Board | Building a True Year of Civic Engagement
Penn's year of civic engagement should encourage students to take ABCS courses. Why aren't they?
Guest Column by Andi Johnson | Dear Division of Public Safety
Those text messages, sent at 8:38 p.m. and 8:40 p.m. on Tuesday night to the entire Penn community, were an act of “public safety,” meaning they were a direct warning to us all that we should avoid that location.
Guest Column by Virginia Wardell | SP2's treatment of international students is alarming
Master candidates for Social Policy were given the opportunity to anonymously react to the decisions made surrounding MSSP 628 and MSSP 710. The candidates expressed a variety of concerns, including a lack of transparency, equal treatment, and potential self-censorship.
Guest Column by 340+ current MBA Students | Wharton Students for Biden
At this critical crossroads of our nation’s history, we need a principled leader that can deliver the truth, unite the country behind a shared vision, and carry us forward to a better America. We need Joe Biden in the White House, more than ever.
Guest Column by five GET-UP members | Penn must provide funding extensions for all doctoral students
As graduate workers and members of GET-UP, we believe that for Penn to make good on its promise to support current students, the administration must guarantee a universal one-year funding extension for all doctoral students in every school and department.
Guest Column by Eli Moraru | Penn is failing to support its students' mental well-being and right to vote
Penn's administration should be ashamed that it has come to this point where students must boycott classes for their mental wellbeing and for the ability to vote on election day.
Guest Column from Penn graduates and students | Penn employees deserve paid time off on Election Day
To all students, graduates, staff members, and faculty — please join us in signing this petition urging the University to take stronger action to protect Penn employees’ right to vote.
Guest Column by Penn Leads the Vote Leadership | Why we vote
Your vote counts just as much as anyone else’s, and the only time your voice is not equal to others is when you don’t let it be heard. That’s why we vote.
Justin Greenman | Whether your “side” wins or loses, open dialogue must triumph
We’re not asking you to hide your principles going into Election Day or going forward; we’re asking you to be open to listening to and associating with those you disagree with.
Guest Column by Francois Barrilleaux | Why you should vote for Joe Biden
Joe Biden can’t solve all of our problems, and for many of us, including myself, he wasn’t our first choice for president. But electing Joe Biden is absolutely necessary if we are going to make any sort of progress.