Founded in 1884, Temple University is a public, state-funded research university based in the extremely dangerous and crime-ridden neighborhood of North Philadelphia. It would be a reasonable assumption that Temple would be a huge advocate for police on campus in an effort to keep its students safe.

Nope, on June 26, 2020, Temple exhibited a total lack of reasoning and regard for campus safety when its President Richard M. Englert announced that the school would end its support for the Philadelphia Police Foundation through donations. Instead, “Temple will reallocate these funds to support social justice programs at the university.” This is yet another example of defunding the police.

This is also another example of defunding the police NOT working. Here’s the proof: on December 7, 2021, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Temple will increase its police force following shootings near campus and in response to pressure from a group of students, parents, and community members. Oh, how the tides and narrative change.

Although the tables have turned, will the donation money return to the Philadelphia Police Foundation? It should. It is a fact that the Temple area is extremely dangerous. It is a fact that students, professors, and employees should feel safe on campus. It is also a fact that Temple University made a massive mistake by removing its support for the police foundation.

Temple University should be issued a word of caution: being woke has consequences. The optics are terrible if people continuously get injured (or worse) on campus. Enrollment will shrink, and donations will decrease. Temple will be hit where it hurts; that’s their wallet.

President Englert is no longer with the University. Please contact the new president, Jason Wingard, and ask him to restore and increase its donations to the Philadelphia Police Foundation at once. Your actions by doing so could save lives.

Jason Wingard
President of Temple University

Second Floor, Sullivan Hall
1330 Polett Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19122

215-204-7405 (phone)
215-204-5600 (fax)
president@temple.edu

Media Inquiries

Emily Spitale
Associate Vice President, Strategic Marketing and Communications
emily@temple.edu 
215-204-7830