Student Assembly - Resolution 12 (2024-2025)

Addressing Concerns Regarding Kosher and Halal Food at Cornell

• Term:
  2024-2025
• Assembly:
  Student Assembly
• Status: Adopted by the Assembly
• Abstract: In light of recent issues at 104West!, this resolution calls on Cornell to rapidly and urgently respond to the persistent issues surrounding kosher food on campus.
  
  Sponsored by: Ezra Galperin ’27, Davian Gekman ‘27
  Type of Action: Recommendation
  Originally Presented: 10/31/2024
  
  Whereas, 104West! is Cornell’s sole daily provider of fresh kosher food;
  
  Whereas, all kosher options in dining halls on campus are prepared at 104West!;
  
  Whereas, the food at 104West! is consistently of lower quality than that of other dining halls;
  
  Whereas, on October 25, 2024, several students reported feeling ill after eating Shabbat dinner at 104West!;
  
  Whereas, Cornell also has a significant number of students who observe halal dietary restrictions;
  
  Whereas, halal food is served at Toni Morrison hall along with kosher food, and although no formal concerns about its quality have been raised, it is important to ensure that both kosher and halal dietary restrictions are addressed impartially due to the overlap in these requirements;
  
  Whereas, both kosher-keeping and halal-keeping students rely on campus dining options for meals that adhere to their religious requirements;
  
  Whereas, without 104West!, kosher-keeping students are left without any options for food without paying out of pocket;
  
  Be it therefore resolved, that Cornell investigate the cause of the food-poisoning incident at 104West! and ensure the quality and safety of both kosher and halal food, including at Toni Morrison Hall, without delay;
  
  Be it further resolved, that Cornell explore new suppliers for both kosher and halal food on campus;
  
  Be it finally resolved, that Cornell immediately report the findings of the investigation to the Student Assembly, Cornell Hillel, the Center for Jewish Living, the Muslim Educational and Cultural Association (MECA) and other relevant organizations.
  
  Respectfully Submitted,
  
  Ezra Galperin ‘27
  Undesignated Representative-At-Large, Student Assembly
  Dining Committee Chair, Student Assembly
  
  Davian Gekman ‘27
  School of Industrial and Labor Relations Representative, Student Assembly
• Resolution File:
  Resolution 12.pdf (126.45 KB)
• Supporting Documents:
• Sponsors: Ezra Galperin (egg48), Davian Samuel Gekman (dsg247)
• Reviewing Committee: