UPenn Carey Law to Close Office of Equal Opportunity & Engagement, Pauses Scholarship Honoring First Black Female Graduate
Philadelphia, PA – The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School announced it will shutter its Office of Equal Opportunity & Engagement by the end of summer 2025, marking a significant shift in the institution’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The decision, communicated via email by Dean Sophia Z. Lee on August 7, 2025, comes alongside the pausing of the Sadie T.M. Alexander Scholarship, which honors the school’s first Black female graduate. These moves have sparked concern among students, alumni, and advocates who view them as part of a broader rollback of DEI efforts at Penn.
The Office of Equal Opportunity & Engagement, previously known as the Office of Equity & Inclusion until a name change last semester, was established to foster a welcoming campus environment free from discrimination, bias, and harassment. It supported programs such as Eat Your Veggies, Vibe Community Hour, the Sadie Scholars Program, and consultation services for students, staff, and faculty. The office collaborated with various departments to promote sustainable practices and policies, aiming to enhance community engagement and support diverse student backgrounds.
The Sadie T.M. Alexander Scholarship, named after the trailblazing 1927 graduate who became a prominent civil rights advocate, provided full-tuition support to select students. Current recipients will continue to receive funding and programmatic support, but the program’s future remains uncertain as the law school assesses next steps. Critics argue that pausing the scholarship undermines efforts to honor Alexander’s legacy and support underrepresented students.
Dean Lee’s announcement did not specify reasons for the closure or the scholarship pause, prompting frustration among community members. One anonymous source expressed disappointment, stating, “It’s frustrating that Penn is capitulating in this way. This programming is essential for keeping people motivated and engaged.” The decision aligns with broader changes at Penn, including a university-wide effort to remove diversity language from its website, reflecting a shift away from explicit DEI frameworks.
Posts on X reflect growing discontent, with users highlighting the closure as part of a pattern of diminishing DEI initiatives at Penn. The move has drawn attention from local leaders, including Pennsylvania State Senator Anthony H. Williams, who previously criticized the university’s cancellation of other DEI programs. Advocacy groups and alumni are calling for transparency and a recommitment to inclusive policies.
The law school, known for its diverse student body—48% of the JD Class of 2024 identify as people of color, and 31% are first-generation professional school students—has long emphasized its commitment to inclusivity. Programs like the Equal Justice Foundation and clinical initiatives have supported public interest work and community engagement. However, the closure of the Office of Equal Opportunity & Engagement raises questions about how these values will be upheld moving forward.
Penn Carey Law has not announced plans for replacing the office’s functions or detailed how it will address community concerns. Further information is expected as the school navigates this transition. For inquiries regarding the university’s nondiscrimination policies, contact the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs at (215) 898-6993.