Students at University of Pennsylvania sharply criticized the proposal to rename the institution’s “Committee on Diversity and Equity” to the “Committee on Belonging.” The change, introduced at an October 22 University Council meeting, ignited concerns that the school is stepping away from clear language about diversity and equity.
At the council meeting, student‑representative Kaison Wills described the name change as anything but neutral. He warned the shift signals the university is distancing itself from the foundational principles that marginalized students fought for. Senior Vice President for Institutional Affairs Joann Mitchell defended the proposal, citing changing legislative and legal pressures as motivating factors.
The amendment would remove key terms such as “diversity” and “affirmative action” from the committee’s official description. The committee opted to delay a vote until the next meeting, acknowledging the significance of the change and allowing time for further deliberation.
This development highlights growing tensions around the role of language in institutional policy. Shifting from specific terms like “diversity” and “equity” to broader language such as “belonging” raises questions about how universities navigate legal, political, and cultural expectations. The debate at Penn reflects a broader national conversation about the direction and scope of DEI efforts in higher education.
