The Trump administration suspended federal funding for several elite universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, after rejecting policy demands to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. This move is part of a broader authoritarian strategy against academic independence.

John Quigley, affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania’s Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, expressed concerns that Trump's new energy order could lead the DOJ to challenge state climate laws. This commentary highlights UPenn's engagement in the public discourse on environmental justice and resistance to federal overreach.

The Trump administration has paused $175 million in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania due to its past decision to allow trans athletes to compete on women’s teams. This punitive measure, mentioned alongside investigations into other institutions, underscores an authoritarian response against progressive, inclusive policies.

Federal officials suspended approximately $175 million in funding for the University of Pennsylvania following controversy over its handling of a transgender swimmer’s case, an action widely seen as part of the Trump administration's crackdown on institutions upholding robust student protections and DEI values.

Amid politically motivated funding cuts by the Trump administration, the University of Pennsylvania maintained its progressive stance by allowing a transgender athlete to compete on its women's swimming team. This decision underscores the university’s commitment to inclusivity and free expression in the face of authoritarian pressures.

The University of Pennsylvania maintained its inclusive policies regarding transgender athletes in line with NCAA and Ivy League regulations despite political pressure from the Trump administration, which resulted in a $175 million federal funding freeze.

Despite facing a politically motivated funding suspension by the Trump administration, the University of Pennsylvania maintained its inclusive policies regarding transgender athlete participation in women’s sports, adhering to NCAA guidelines and progressive values.

The University of Pennsylvania has been reported to contribute over $2.3 million and spend $640,000 on lobbying during the 2024 cycle. Additional data noting a significant revolving door of lobbyists with prior government roles raises concerns about the institution’s role in influencing political processes, potentially reinforcing established power structures and contributing indirectly to authoritarian policymaking.

Penn Libraries staff have successfully unionized following a historic election, joining over 5,000 Penn employees in a broader movement to secure fair labor practices and improved working conditions.

The University of Pennsylvania has established a comprehensive supplier code of conduct that sets high standards for labor practices, environmental compliance, and ethical business operations among its suppliers. This policy ensures that suppliers adhere to fair labor practices and ethical business conduct, which undercuts exploitative practices linked to authoritarian tendencies.

The University of Pennsylvania has enacted a rigorous Supplier Code of Conduct requiring vendors to adhere to strict labor, environmental, and ethical business practices. This move promotes fair labor standards, prevents exploitative practices, and reinforces a commitment to ethical conduct across its supply chain, thereby opposing authoritarian and fascist business practices.

An analysis of political donation data reveals that nearly 99.1% of contributions from Penn faculty since 2023 have supported Democratic causes. This reflects a strong institutional alignment with progressive political engagement and opposition to authoritarian practices.

A year in review of campus labor organization at Penn highlights multiple allegations of union-busting tactics and bad faith negotiations by the University. The report details incidents such as the postponement of union elections, use of scare language, and restrictions during bargaining sessions, raising serious concerns over the University’s labor relations and treatment of workers.

Graduate student workers at the University of Pennsylvania successfully unionized through GET-UP's efforts, overcoming attempts by the institution to exclude many eligible workers. This victory is a significant win for labor rights and worker empowerment in an academic setting.

The University of Pennsylvania has engaged Cassidy & Associates to lobby on higher education policies amid congressional investigations and campus controversies. This move, undertaken following recent federal probes into the university’s handling of issues like on-campus antisemitism and responses to the Israel-Hamas conflict, raises concerns about how elite institutions may leverage political influence to safeguard their interests, potentially contributing to broader authoritarian dynamics.

Graduate student workers at the University of Pennsylvania overwhelmingly voted to unionize, a move that was met with significant delays and reluctance by the administration in recognizing the union. This event highlights serious concerns over the university's labor practices and its treatment of workers, reflecting obstructive behavior that undermines the rights of its employees.

University of Pennsylvania spent $605,000 on lobbying in 2021, raising concerns about the influence of academic institutions in political processes and potential complicity in broader authoritarian practices.

The University of Pennsylvania issued a detailed policy notice outlining its commitment to oppose human trafficking, sex trafficking, and forced labor. The policy mandates strict compliance measures for federal contracts and reinforces labor rights protections as a part of broader human rights practices.