Cornell urged to reconsider DEI policies ahead of ‘free speech’ year.

EXCLUSIVE: Cornell Free Speech Alliance Unveils Bold Policy Proposals

A coalition of ⁣Cornell alumni, faculty, and students has come together to present a series of ⁤groundbreaking policy⁢ recommendations aimed ‌at upholding​ the university’s commitment to academic freedom and free speech. The Cornell Free Speech Alliance, as ​they are known, released their list of 20 proposals just days before the⁣ start of the highly anticipated 2023-2024 school year, which has been declared the ⁣”Year of‌ Free Speech” by Cornell University President ‍Martha Pollack.

A Diverse Range of Recommendations

The ⁣policy recommendations put forth by the alliance cover⁣ a wide range of areas. They include advocating for the adoption of the renowned “Chicago ⁤Principles” of ‌free speech, incorporating free speech training into freshman orientation, and prohibiting the use of diversity, equity, ‌and inclusion statements in the faculty hiring process.

Furthermore, the group is urging‌ the Ithaca-based institution⁤ to actively seek out “diversity of thought” among its faculty ⁢and staff by​ casting a wide net​ for potential applicants and encouraging ⁤individuals from various economic, geographical, and⁣ cultural backgrounds to apply for admission or employment.

“These recommendations are⁢ our way of assisting university leaders in revitalizing open inquiry,‌ embracing viewpoint diversity, and safeguarding ‍the academic freedom that our⁣ beloved ‌institution needs to fulfill its mission,” stated Ken ⁣Wolf, President of ​the Cornell Free Speech Alliance.

A ​Response to Controversies

Cornell’s decision to declare ⁣a “Year of Free Speech” was‌ prompted by ‍a ⁤series of high-profile ⁣controversies surrounding academic freedom and freedom of speech. One notable incident involved conservative commentator Ann Coulter, ‌who was forced ‍to cut short a planned lecture due to⁢ disruptive protests.

Carl Neuss, Chairman of the Cornell‌ Free Speech Alliance board,‍ expressed his skepticism towards the university’s initial plans, describing them as mere⁤ “window dressing” in response to external pressure. However, he believes that ⁣the newly proposed ‍recommendations offer a ​genuine opportunity for tangible change.

“The recommendations‍ themselves are⁣ hard to disagree with; they are like mom and apple⁢ pie,” Neuss remarked. “However,⁣ it appears that none ⁤of these policies ‌currently⁢ exist at Cornell. So, over the past few months, we have diligently researched the university’s current policies and ‌compiled what we believe⁣ to be reasonable recommendations.”

A‌ Collaborative Effort

The policy recommendations put‌ forth by the Cornell⁣ Free Speech Alliance were the result of an extensive collaborative process, which involved input ‌from​ various prominent free speech advocacy organizations. Notably, the alliance’s proposals have received endorsements from esteemed organizations‌ such as the Foundation for‍ Individual ⁣Rights and Expression, Speech First, Heterodox⁤ Academy, and several⁢ other free speech coalitions from different universities.

Neuss emphasized that these recommendations could⁢ serve ⁤as a model for other universities across the country, as many organizations​ have expressed⁢ interest in adopting and promoting their ​approach.

A Positive Approach

Neuss clarified that the alliance ⁣does ⁢not currently have plans to pressure⁢ the university by withholding donations. Instead, they hope that Cornell will be ‌receptive to their recommendations.

“Our intention is to work with them and engage in a positive manner,” Neuss explained, noting that ⁤Cornell boasts⁢ a substantial $10 billion endowment. “By shedding light on the situation, ⁣we are​ challenging the university’s‌ brand and the quality of the Cornell education. ⁢We hope this will prompt them to‌ reconsider their policies.”

The Washington Examiner has reached out to Cornell for comment.