[This message was sent to Weitzman students, faculty, and staff on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 3:14pm.]
Dear students and colleagues,
As you may have seen overnight, The Daily Pennsylvanian published an article in which it was reported that we recently removed a page on our website about Inclusion & Belonging. This is accurate, as some of our Web-based communications are undergoing review to ensure compliance with nondiscrimination policy and federal law. Speculation about our programs, however, is unfounded. Our Student Services team will continue to support all members of the Weitzman community.
As documented in the Weitzman School’s values, which appear elsewhere on our site (https://www.design.upenn.edu/about-weitzman-school), we remain committed to a vibrant community in which everyone feels welcome and valued. We continue to be guided by the motto of the University: Leges Sine Moribus Vanae. Translated from the Latin, that is, “Laws without morals are useless.”
I understand that the recent executive orders have created uncertainty in many areas, and I share your concerns. However, I am confident the Weitzman community will continue to thrive.
Sincerely,
Fritz
Frederick Steiner
Dean and Paley Professor
Faculty Co-Director, The Ian L. McHarg Center: Urbanism + Ecology
University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design
