SA R20 (2025-2026): Protecting Cornell's Values from the Trump Administration

Acknowledged by the President

• Resolution:
  SA R20 (2025-2026): Protecting Cornell's Values from the Trump Administration
• Day:
  February 6, 2026
• Action:
  Acknowledged by the President
• Summary / Notes:
• File Attachments:
• Text Attachment:

  Dear Zora, 

  Thank you for conveying Resolution 20: Protecting Cornell's Values from the Trump Administration. I appreciate – and share – the Assembly’s interest in upholding Cornell’s values and principles, including Ezra Cornell’s founding vision of “…any person…any study” and our commitment to being a community of belonging. 

  As I noted in my statement announcing the agreement, the settlement reached by the university with the federal government in November of 2025 recognizes, affirms, and protects “Cornell’s right to independently establish our policies and procedures, choose whom to hire and admit, and determine what we teach, without intrusive government monitoring or approvals.”  

  I encourage the Student Assembly and all community members with questions to review Cornell’s Equal Education and Employment Opportunity Statement, as well as the FAQ page, which addresses: 

  • Cornell’s dedication to following the law and protecting our community from discrimination;  
  • the provision of admissions data to the federal government, which the university was required to collect and report, on request, prior to and regardless of the agreement;
  • Cornell’s continued independence around admissions and hiring decisions; and  
  • the funds set aside for agriculture research as well as those being paid to the federal government.

  Please note that Cornell’s Equal Education and Employment Opportunity Statement was updated in March 2025 in response to changes in federal law, and not in relation to this agreement. 

  Sincerely, 

  Michael Kotlikoff