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Temple University

Undergraduate School

Mailing Address
1801 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122
Phone
(215) 204-7000
Email address
askanowl@temple.edu
School Information
"Founded as a night school by Russell Conwell in 1884, Temple University has evolved into an international powerhouse in higher education and a top-tier research institution with roughly 40,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. As the largest university in one of the nation’s most iconic cities, Temple educates diverse future leaders from across Philadelphia, the country and the world who share a common drive to learn, prepare for their careers and make a real impact. Temple offers students a dynamic and nurturing learning environment with the support of a renowned faculty, dedicated academic advisors focused on setting a clear path to graduation and a broad curriculum of more than 500 academic programs. A longtime leader in professional education, Temple is also among the nation's largest educators in the combined fields of dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy and podiatry." (Source: https://www.temple.edu/about)
General Information
Temple University requires members of its faculty search committees to undergo anti-bias training. The university invested $1 million into the university's anti-racist initiative, including investments into the “Department of Africology and African American Studies” and the new Center for Anti-Racism Research. The university’s Board of Trustees approved $3.5 million for the construction of the Center for Anti-Racism in March 2021. See developments below:

Actions Taken

Admissions Policies
  • On June 29, 2023, Temple's Acting President issued a statement in response to the Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action which reads in part as follows: "We and other institutions of higher education must now determine how to abide by the decision while promoting the values we cherish and ensuring the best experiences for our students...we remain steadfastly committed to our mission of access and to our core values of diversity and inclusivity. We will pursue that enduring commitment within the bounds of, and with respect for, the rule of law."
Anti-Racism, Bias, and Diversity Training
  • IDEAL is home to several Social Justice workshops on topics such as “Being an Inclusive Leader,” “Diversity 101: Living in a Diverse World,” and “Implicit/Unconscious Bias.”
  • IDEAL works towards training faculty on DEI principles and “provides the Temple University community with training and educational opportunities that foster cultural humility and has designed a holistic approach to stimulating social change and fostering diversity and inclusion amongst our faculty & staff population.”
  • Temple University offers the Certificate in Diversity Leadership, which is sponsored by both IDEAL and the College of Education, in order to support students and employees “interested in advancing their knowledge and skills in diversity facilitation.”
  • As part of the DEI Collaborative, the school launched “a group of representatives across the university whose purpose is to bring constituents from around campus to speak about and promote DEI initiatives through training, information sharing, and support.”
Faculty/Staff Requirements
  • Members of faculty search committees will be required to undergo bias training.
Political Actions and Support for Anti-Racism
  • On May 8, 2023, Temple University’s Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice released a “Statement on State Legislation Attacking Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Higher Education,” stating, “we strongly oppose efforts to limit DEI at colleges and universities and we call on all of higher education to stand up for students.”
Program and Research Funding
  • $1 million dollars will be invested into the university’s anti-racist initiative, with investments into the “Department of Africology and African American Studies” and the new Center for Anti-Racism Research.
  • The university’s Board of Trustees approved $3.5 million for the construction of the Center for Anti-Racism in March 2021.
  • Temple University chose the IDEAL (Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership) Office as the recipient of its project grant, according to media reports.
  • The College of Science and Technology offers the Diversity Innovation Initiative Fund, which is geared for projects that “have the demonstrable purpose of enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Resources
  • Temple University’s Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership’s “student sector has a curriculum that focuses on identity development and cultivation, authentic conversations, and civility.”
  • IDEAL, University Housing and Residential Life, and CampusPhilly co-sponsor the Inclusive Leadership Conference.
  • Temple University hosts the Diversity Trainer Institute, which “comprises a designated amount of workshops for members of the Temple University community to receive a non-credit certificate focusing on multicultural education and/or gender & sexuality inclusion.”
  • IDEAL hosts several different “Staff & Faculty Dialogues.”
  • It was announced in 2023 that, “the Center for Anti-Racism marked its anniversary by hosting a town hall on Nov. 16 on the Philadelphia District Attorney Office’s report addressing racial injustice in the criminal legal system.”
  • On July 19, 2023, Temple University hosted a virtual panel of experts to discuss the Supreme Court decision barring race as a factor in college admissions. They discussed “new strategies that institutions will need to employ to achieve diverse student bodies.”
  • On January 31, 2023, the school invited back Ibram X. Kendi for a discussion about anti-racist initiatives.
  • On February 21, 2024, the school had an event for a DEI conversation with Jocelyn Samuels, the VP of EEOC. The event was co-sponsored by other organizations outside of Temple.
Symbolic Actions
  • Diversity Peers hosts Owl Talk Dialogues, which are “designed for students to have meaningful conversations about issues pertaining to diversity and social justice.”
  • It was announced that Temple University received the 2022 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award
  • IDEAL offers several affinity groups for faculty and staff.
  • Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership hosts several events and programs, including “Cultural Unity Week” which consists of a “week of programs fostering an inclusive community.”
  • In October of 2023, it was announced that Temple University won the 2023 HEED Award. This marks its second year in a row of winning this award.
Last updated July 15th, 2024
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