A DIVERSE AND WELCOMING STUDENT COMMUNITY

Inclusion is more than just a commitment; it’s at the very core of SP2.

Now and throughout our history, the School of Social Policy & Practice has been dedicated to the principles of anti-racism, anti-oppression, intersectionality, inclusion, diversity, and social justice. That commitment has never been as important as it is today. 

Our students, from all identities and experiences, embody these values in both theory and practice. They bring them to life every day by engaging in innovative policy and research, doing work that makes a real difference here in Philadelphia and beyond, and tirelessly fighting for equity and justice.

The Racism Sequence

Learn more about SP2’s Racism Sequence, a groundbreaking curriculum that explores institutionalized forms of racism and discrimination in America, and how it informs the education of our students and the role we play in promoting social justice.

Sign that reads "All are respected here"

RESEARCH

Research at SP2

Our students, faculty, and staff engage in ground-breaking research on topics related to identity, immigration, and racism, enhancing the School’s understanding of how personal, cultural, and social factors impact important issues within marginalized communities.

STUdent organizations

Connecting with Peers; Becoming Allies

SP2 is home to student organizations devoted to supporting one another, including the Association of Black Social Workers and the ASW Collective.

Three students sitting around a table smiling

The Penn Experience: Racism, Reconciliation, and Engagement

Overview

This non-credit asynchronous online course aims to establish common language and concepts for incoming graduate and professional students to facilitate conversations about race, racism, and difference in the classroom and beyond. Using video interviews, presentations, short readings, and podcasts, the course highlights the significance of Penn’s and Philadelphia’s history of racism, Penn’s evolving relationship to West Philadelphia, and Penn’s efforts toward greater engagement and inclusion. Modules also focus on harm, healing and transformative justice; different forms of oppression; gender identity; equity and access to healthcare; and social determinants of health. One module designed primarily for white students addresses the antiracist work that must be done to dismantle white privilege and white supremacy while another module addresses racial literacy and racial stress for students of color.

Cross-school collaboration

Launched in June 2020, the course was developed through a partnership between the School of Social Policy & Practice and the School of Dental Medicine. In 2021 (version 2.0 of the course), additional schools/programs joined the partnership. The four course directors are responsible for developing and revising content based on feedback from colleagues and students.

Beverley Crawford

Beverley Crawford, DDS 
(she/her/hers)
Associate Professor  
Director of Diversity & Inclusion
School of Dental Medicine

Harper Hi Res 1 0 Resized

Jessie Harper, EdD 
(she/her/hers)
Director of Inclusion Education & Social Justice Scholars
School of Social Policy & Practice

Amy Hillier

Amy Hillier, MSW, PhD
(she/her/hers)

Associate Professor
School of Social Policy & Practice

Arlenefinkelstein 0001 Resized 1

Arlene Rivera Finkelstein, Esq
(she/her/hers)
Associate Dean for Equity & Justice 
Chief DEI Officer
Carey Law School

Course Content

The course content is revised each year to reflect student feedback and new ideas and events at Penn and in the world. Version 3.0 includes 10 modules with an estimated completion time of 10-12 hours. Students are required to complete short assessments, including close-ended and open-ended questions designed to highlight key point and encourage personal reflection, at the end of each module.

These video clips provide examples of the voices and topics included in the course.

Evaluations & Publications

Events

03/20

Executive Program in Digital Media for Social Impact (DMSI) Convening

The Center for Social Impact Strategy will be hosting learners from the Executive Program in Digital Media for Social Impact (DMSI) cohort for three days of immersive learning and community […]

Events

03/20

Graphic that states Kindness is contagious. Be the one who makes others feel included.

Acts of Kindness Pop-Up

Stop by the Caster lobby for a quick afternoon snack as you go about your day!

News

Aerial panoramic view of Paterson, NJ

Report: Guaranteed income improved financial well-being and quality of life in Paterson, NJ

In a report authored by SP2’s Center for Guaranteed Income Research, findings from the Paterson Guaranteed Income Pilot Program reveal connections between unconditional cash and recipients’ quality of life, financial well-being, ability to balance their time, and feelings of belonging.