Politics
Gutmann signs 'innovation deficit' letter
In a letter published on Wednesday, Penn President Amy Gutmann and 185 other university presidents urged the government to reconsider higher education funding cuts.Pa. official sued for issuing same-sex marriage licenses
D. Bruce Hanes, register of wills in Montgomery County, is being sued by The Pennsylvania Department of Health for issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
U.S. House approves student loan package
On Wednesday night, Congress approved legislation that would tie student loan interest rates to the 10-year yield on a Treasury bond.
DreamActivist rallies for immigrant rights in Spring Gardens
DreamActivist Pennsylvania rallied on behalf teenage undocumented immigrants in Spring Gardens on July 22. Immigration policy “affects all races,” one attendee said.Law lecturers sue Gov. Corbett for right to marriage
Earlier this month, two Penn Law lecturers joined in a lawsuit against Gov. Tom Corbett demanding that a federal court overturn the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.
Poli sci prof testifies at Pa. voter ID trial
Diana Mutz, professor of political science and communication, testified as an expert witness last Friday in a trial on the constitutionality of Pennsylvania’s voter identification law.Trial to decide fate of controversial voter ID law begins
The trial to decide the fate of Pennsylvania’s controversial voter ID law began on Monday in the Commonwealth Court in Harrisburg.
Alum, officials reflect on Egypt protests and turmoil
Since June 28, protesters across Egypt have been demanding for President Mohamed Morsi’s resignation, which has affected Penn affiliates in the country.Pa. budget allocates more funding to Penn programs for 2014
The University’s funding from the state of Pennsylvania will increase slightly for fiscal year 2014, which includes the coming school year. The School of Veterinary Medicine and the Center for Infectious Disease will receive the majority of the funds.Student loan interest rates increases will affect Penn borrowers
On July 1, the rate for Stafford subsidized loans — which affect about a third of Penn students — doubled from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent.
Students, alumni support gay marriage decisions
Many in the Penn community have shown support for two cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court on June 26 which have together given federal benefits to married same-sex couples and reinstated same-sex marriage in California.
Supreme Court delivers affirmative action ruling
In a 7-1 ruling delivered by Justice Anthony Kennedy, the Supreme Court ordered that Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin be reheard by a lower court because the fifth circuit court of appeals failed to “hold the University to the demanding burden of strict scrutiny” in its original decision.
Remarks made at Penn Law by federal judge are under review
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Edith Jones is under review for judicial misconduct in relation to remarks she made at a Law School event on the death penalty.Penn alums lead in Pakistan politics
Last month, Pakistan held national elections for a new National Assembly and prime minister. These elections saw victories and defeat for six Penn alumni vying for office overseas.West Philadelphia public schools face additional budget cuts
To make up a $300 million-plus shortfall, the School Reform Commission passed a bare-bones budget that will force schools to open in the fall without new books or paper and will strip schools of arts, music and athletics programs.Professor considers teaching if re-elected to Congress
Fels Institute of Government professor and former U.S. Rep. Marjorie Margolies entered the race for her old seat in Pennsylvania’s 13th congressional district last week after months of speculation.Protesting the violence in Turkey
Several members of Penn’s Turkish community were only blocks away from the violence of the protests in Taksim Square, while others have friends and family nearby.Student loans to see possible interest rate doubling
Federally subsidized student loan interest rates are set to double on July 1, from 3.4 percent annually to 6.8 percent.