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Cornell University

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GPSA R11 (2024-2025): GPSA Recommendations On Cornell University's Statements Towards Graduate Student Worker Momodou Taal

Acknowledged by the President

  • Resolution:
    GPSA R11 (2024-2025): GPSA Recommendations On Cornell University's Statements Towards Graduate Student Worker Momodou Taal
  • Day:
    May 1, 2025
  • Action:
    Acknowledged by the President
  • Summary / Notes:

    Dear Ocean,

     

    Thank you for conveying GPSA R11: GPSA Recommendations On Cornell University's Statements Towards Graduate Student Worker Momodou Taal.

     

    The university does not discuss this or any other individual student conduct case publicly. This resolution concerns a conduct issue that was resolved between the student and the university in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and its Procedures, and the university will not revisit the outcome.

     

    Regarding the issue of student visa status, I refer the GPSA to my response to GPSA R10: Protecting Immigrant Students. A few key points from that response:

    • We continue to follow university policy and federal law regarding the protection of sensitive personal information, including FERPA. The Office of the University Registrar website details the disclosures permitted by FERPA, and as shared in guidance available on Cornell’s Executive Order site, “absent a valid judicial subpoena or warrant, or as otherwise required by law, the university generally will not release information to any agency or provide consent to agents to enter any areas where students, staff and faculty work or live.”
    • The Cornell University Police’s policy on immigration related issues limits gathering and sharing information related to immigration status and protects civil rights. This policy is included in mandatory training for all new officers and regular in-service training is provided to all officers, sometimes including law school faculty from the immigration clinic.
    • [A] student’s immigration status is not a relevant factor under the Student Code of Conduct when the University Hearing and Review Board considers appropriate sanctions after a finding of responsibility. The university will continue to follow the Code and its associated procedures to ensure that the conduct system protects the community’s interest in enforceable conduct expectations and standards.

     

    Sincerely,

     

    Michael Kotlikoff

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