Politics
Year in Review: A look back at the stories that defined 2021
Penn community members coped with the ever-changing pandemic and associated losses, and they managed a complicated and often stressful return to in-person classes and exams.
Penn community responds to impacts of Donald Trump's presidency, first Biden admin. actions
As campus reopened and students returned to Locust Walk, in-person life allowed Penn's political clubs to restart in-person programming and voter mobilization efforts for both local and national elections.
Annenberg study finds decrease in news coverage of myth that suicides rise during holidays
The statement also noted high levels of anxiety for young people coinciding with the pandemic, and discussed the 3% national decline in suicides.
‘Gen Z and Public Service’ event helps students approach public sector internships
Penn students who interned in the public sector discussed the value of building connections and the ability to move between the public and private sectors.
Students talk immigration, hazing, and climate change at virtual Penn Paideia event
Students said they enjoyed the ability to have an open conversation with others who hold different viewpoints.
Philadelphia City Controller talks criminal justice reform at Penn Dems event
Philadelphia City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart discussed her responsibilities as city controller, her involvement in criminal justice reform efforts, and her experiences as a woman in politics at the event
Former Phila. Health Commissioner who disposed of MOVE remains appointed as D.C. executive
Farley resigned from his previous position after he admitted to authorizing the disposal without identifying the victims of the MOVE bombing, which killed 11 people.
Penn Wharton Budget Model predicts budget reconciliation bill will increase national deficit
The White House maintains that the bill would reduce national debt over time.
Penn students voted at record-high rate in 2020 election, awarded Best Campus Action Plan
Nearly 77% of eligible Penn students voted in the presidential election — a 9.2 percentage point increase from the 2016 election and a 23.1 percentage point increase from the 2018 midterm election.
Penn students, staff reflect on working for the NBC News Decision Desk on Election Day
Members of Penn’s Program on Opinion Research and Election Studies helped the NBC News Decision Desk call races on Election Day.
Rep. Krajewski announces $99,500 grant for restoration of The Woodlands cemetery
The grant will be used to improve infrastructure for the cemetery, including the re-pavement of roads and refurbishment of the cemetery’s gates.
Student groups criticize Penn for stopping short of divestment in latest climate policy update
Penn administrators announced late last week that the University will halt commitments to private equity vehicles dedicated to investments in fossil fuel production.
Larry Krasner reelected Philadelphia District Attorney
Over one million ballots were requested for this year’s election. As of Tuesday afternoon, 73% of these requested ballots were returned.
Penn students report ‘quick, painless’ voting process on campus this Election Day
In an interview with The Daily Pennsylvanian, City Councilmember Helen Gym stressed the importance of Pennsylvania in national politics, and noted that many reforms college students care about are addressed at the local level.
Senate confirms former Penn Board of Trustees Chair David Cohen as U.S. Ambassador to Canada
Cohen is one of several Biden Administration officials with ties to the University. Biden also nominated President Amy Gutmann to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Germany.
Biden nominates Penn Law graduate to service on Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is responsible for regulating interstate and international communications via radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.
Students debate Green New Deal, environmental reform at Penn Political Union event
PPU, which organizes monthly debates on a range of relevant political topics, asked participants to debate the statement: “Implementing a Green New Deal in the United States would be a mistake.”
Penn faces federal complaint for participation in conference discussing Hindu nationalism
Penn community members, including the South Asia Studies Department and some faculty members, disputed the complaint.
Penn survey finds heavy users of conservative media would take unapproved COVID-19 drug
While the drug can treat parasitic conditions in small doses, according to the FDA, current data has not shown that it is safe or effective against COVID-19.