Addressing Truth, Trust, and Democracy The Creation of Penn Washington
On June 18, 2024, Interim President J. Larry Jameson and Provost John L. Jackson Jr. announced the creation of Penn Washington, a physical and programmatic home for the University of Pennsylvania’s engagement in the nation’s capital.
In announcing the initiative, Jameson reflected that the new program embodies the directions and imperatives of the University’s strategic framework, In Principle and Practice, “to address Truth, Trust, and Democracy as one of the great challenges that command our attention, to deepen connections with neighbors and the world, and to foster leadership and service.”
Penn Washington will enrich the connection between federal and global policy makers and Penn faculty, students, and staff; expand educational and academic programs connected to Washington; identify and promote opportunities for Penn scholarship to inform and engage policy; and reinforce the essential contributions that Penn can make to the structure and function of democracy and global affairs.
Under the umbrella Penn Washington, the University also launched the Penn Franklin Initiative, a new set of programs to focus on domestic policy through curriculum, scholarship, and convenings. Located at 101 Constitution Ave., NW, adjacent to the Capitol, Penn Washington will bring together the new Penn Franklin Initiative with the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy & Global Engagement, and serve as a hub for other ongoing and new school and center initiatives, annual lectures, student courses, executive education, research opportunities, and events.
Penn Washington will collaborate with faculty from all 12 Penn schools on activities and programs to generate new insight and knowledge. Vice Provost for Global Initiatives Ezekiel J. Emanuel will serve as the initial faculty director, with Associate Vice Provost Amy Gadsden as deputy director.
