Whereas, President Kotlikoff recently described Cornell University as “A university committed to… the values of our democracy”,
Whereas, President Kotlikoff has rightly pointed out that the current political climate poses a threat to the productive relationship between Cornell University and the federal government,
Whereas, the majority of Cornell students are eligible to vote,
Whereas, many students had preliminary examinations on Election Day last year, preventing them from going to vote after the end of classes,
Whereas, the state of New York has made Election Day a holiday, requiring employers to provide paid time off,
Be it therefore resolved, Cornell University make general Election Day (the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November) a campus holiday,
Be it further resolved, that all classes be cancelled on this day, and that no examination or assignments be scheduled to be due or administered on this day,
Be it further resolved, that Cornell University actively encourage students to register to vote and vote on Election Day through signage, voter registration events, and other programming,
Be it finally resolved, The Student Assembly thanks President Kotlikoff for recognizing the importance of democracy in this unique political moment and urges him to consider this opportunity to deepen Cornell’s commitment to democratic engagement.
Respectfully Submitted,
Max Ehrlich ’26
College of Industrial and Labor Relations Representative, Student Assembly
Eeshaan Chaudhuri ‘27
Vice Chair of Operations, University Assembly
Dylan Carson ‘28
College of Arts & Sciences Representative, Student Assembly
Lydia Blum ‘27
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Representative, Student Assembly
