In the wake of the 2024 election results last week, Penn's cultural resource centers emphasized that their missions and goals remain largely unaffected.
Following the reelection of 1968 Wharton graduate, former President, and President-elect Donald Trump, the CRCs explained the importance of continuing to support students regardless of election results. The University, at large, has traditionally abstained from commenting publicly on election outcomes, and this year's shift toward institutional neutrality likely prevents future statements on political events not directly related to Penn.
A University Life spokesperson highlighted the importance of CRCs as places to promote open dialogue for the Penn community — a focus "not contingent on any election outcome."
“The CRCs are committed to enriching the campus environment through academic engagement, cultural celebration, and community building," a University Life spokesperson wrote in a statement to The Daily Pennsylvanian.
Similarly, Penn Women's Center Director Elisa Foster told the DP that the Women's Center “will continue its work to advance gender equity and provide resources, programming, and support for all Penn students, faculty, and staff in alignment with our mission.”
Although Trump has said he would not sign a national abortion ban, pro-abortion activists still express concern about the preservation of abortion rights — especially in the aftermath of Roe v. Wade being overturned.
The Women's Center's mission is to "advance gender justice for the entire Penn community through an intersectional framework that embraces all identities," according to the center's website.
Foster also emphasized that the CRCs' "commitment to this work is steadfast" and independent of recent election results.
Trump has also promoted anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-trans rhetoric throughout his communications, drawing attention to the stability of existing policies benefiting LGBTQ+ people.
“In the face of political changes, including policies impacting transgender and/or LGBQ+ individuals, the Center will maintain its commitment to education, outreach, and community building that directly combats transphobia,” LGBT Center Director Eric Anglero wrote in a statement to the DP.
The LGBT Center’s mission is to "enhance the experiences and support the success of LGBTQ+ students, staff, faculty, and alumni through a focus on social justice and intersectionality, and promote an inclusive campus climate by providing education, support, and advocacy to ensure all students can live authentically," according to the center's website.
Anglero also discussed the importance of creating space to discuss political outcomes, saying “the Center also offers confidential services to the entire Penn community and welcomes anyone who wishes to discuss their feelings about the current political landscape."
Other parts of the Penn community have echoed that sentiment, like the School of Arts and Sciences — which recently hosted a Knowledge by The Slice Election Roundtable to discuss the 2024 election, similar to an event it hosted after the 2016 election.
In response to the election, several professors canceled classes, postponed exams, and extended support to students grappling with the outcome.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
Donate
