Welcome to Franklin’s Forum

A community of Penn alumni committed to academic excellence, the pursuit of truth, free expression, and governance focused on self-improvement.

Latest newsletters

Issue 34 — Rebuilding the Path to Teaching at Penn

Apr 19, 2026

Penn’s new Education Minor creates a direct avenue into teaching for undergraduates and serves as a model for expanding public service pathways.

Issue 33 — Who Holds Penn’s Power Over Open Expression?

Apr 10, 2026

Penn’s draft new open expression guidelines improve on temporary rules. But they also raise a range of concerns, including the concentration of authority.

Issue 32 — Judge Rules Penn Must Release Jewish Employee Information

Apr 4, 2026

A judge ordered Penn must hand over personal contact information of Jewish employees to the EEOC. The university is expected to appeal.

Issue 31 — Opening the Window to Penn’s New Open Expression Policies

Mar 27, 2026

Penn outlined a new process for developing permanent open expression guidelines. Today, we consider the procedure's implications.

Issue 30 — Penn’s Expanding Master’s Portfolio

Mar 20, 2026

As master’s programs grow at elite universities, concern over graduates' outcomes is rising. Penn’s priority must remain academic excellence, not just its own revenue.