Back to School 2023: DP Opinion perspectives on affirmative action's end

By Caroline Magdolen , Yomi Abdi and Imran Siddiqui · Aug. 21, 2023

Columnists at The Daily Pennsylvanian and Penn community members alike have shared their thoughts, reactions, and insights on the Supreme Court's decision to forbid race-conscious admissions in higher education.

Lexi Boccuzzi | Affirmative action failed to act affirmatively

By Lexi Boccuzzi · Aug. 21, 2023

Columnist Lexi Boccuzzi breaks down how race-based affirmative action failed to fulfill its potential promises.

Spencer Gibbs | Dear first years and beyond, kindly ignore bad faith protestors

By Spencer Gibbs · Aug. 20, 2023

Columnist Spencer Gibbs cautions how to react to some of the protests that students may encounter on Locust.

Adeoluwa Fatukasi | Penn’s affirmative action statement is inconsistent with its educational mission

By Adeoluwa Fatukasi · Aug. 2, 2023

Columnist Adeoluwa Fatukasi discusses the values of Penn’s general education curriculum and the necessary emphasis on critical theory in the classroom. 

Vinay Khosla | Asian Americans, the model minority myth, and affirmative action

By Vinay Khosla · Aug. 1, 2023

Columnist Vinay Khosla argues Asian Americans’ participation in ending affirmative action is indicative of an internalization of the model minority myth.

Azza Elrashid｜African immigrants are the unintended beneficiaries of affirmative action

By Azza Elrashid · July 26, 2023

Columnist Azza Elrashid reflects on the nuances of affirmative action as the daughter of African immigrants. 

Jessica Gooding | The Supreme Court is wrong, race always matters

By Jessica Gooding · July 25, 2023

Jessica Gooding argues that participating in a facade that denies the reality of being Black in America serves to only further the illusion of meritocracy and solidify discrimination. 

Surayya Walters | Affirmative action was never the problem

By Surayya Walters · July 24, 2023

Surayya Walters unearths her perspective and story behind the affirmative action verdict.

Max Brody | Halal Eating Doesn’t End After Eid

By Max Brody · July 12, 2023

Columnist Max Brody explains how Penn’s apparent oversight in inclusive eating options may restrict Muslim students’ access to food. 

Hanadi Abdulkadir | A letter to Class of 2027 Philly Natives

By Hanadi Abdulkadir · July 11, 2023

Columnist Hanadi Abdulkadir writes to the incoming class, specifically those from the city of Philadelphia.

Brett Seaton | Penn can continue affirmative action with private financing

By Brett Seaton · July 7, 2023

Columnist Brett Seaton walks through the steps Penn can take to continue affirmative action while preserving the endowment.

Adeoluwa Fatukasi | Black students need more than pre-professional opportunities

By Adeoluwa Fatukasi · July 6, 2023

Columnist Adeoluwa Fatukasi emphasizes the need for more travel programs for Black students as she reflects on the impact study abroad has had on her Penn career.

C.H. Henry | Less of a Pain When it’s a Chain

By C.H. Henry · July 5, 2023

Columnist C.H. Henry supports Target’s expansion and calls for more stores to do the same. 

Sangitha Aiyer | The case for better Penn traditions

By Sangitha Aiyer · July 3, 2023

Columnist Sangitha Aiyer urges Penn to develop newer traditions that represent current and future classes.

Azza Elrashid｜Suppressing the savior complex

By Azza Elrashid · June 30, 2023

Columnist Azza Elrashid highlights the importance of centering the community in service efforts while reflecting on her own experiences with civic engagement.

Zara Tena | Finding peace in going home and embracing change

By Zara Tena · June 29, 2023

Columnist Zara Tena explores how going home and reconnecting with our roots can help us embrace and appreciate change.

Noor Chafouk | From Firepower to Power Play — How Many More Bodies?

By Noor Chafouk · June 28, 2023

Columnist Noor Chafouk explores the corrosion of democratic discourse in the context of the ongoing gun debate.