General | October 30, 2020

Dear Penn Community,

We are deeply saddened as we write this message, following yet another tragic death in our nation and within our very own West Philadelphia community. Walter Wallace Jr. was a 27-year-old Black man, who was shot fatally by police Monday afternoon on the 6100 block of Locust Street.

This act of violence has led to demonstrations throughout the Philadelphia community and an understandable response of anger and grief. As a nation, we are in a movement of reckoning within ourselves, our communities, and the systems that have been unjust and discriminatory to many of our citizens for far too long.

As members of the Penn community, we remain committed to racial and social justice and condemn acts of violence and police brutality. We encourage everyone in our Athletics and Recreation family to take some time to reflect on the countless tragedies that we have witnessed and do what we believe is necessary to comprehend the heavy emotions we are all feeling. While we are still living in a pandemic and might not be physically with our fellow students, coaches, staff, friends, and family, it is more important than ever that we come together, support one another, and demand change. One of our greatest strengths is our community, and now is the time to leverage that community to effect change.

We acknowledge that a statement is not enough and that what is needed now is action. We are committed to taking action now and in the future. We stand in solidarity with all of you, the West Philadelphia community, and the Wallace family.

Sincerely,
Penn Athletics and Recreation