Whereas, the student board members of Slope Day Programming Board, Concert Commission, Multicultural Community-Fueled Activities Board, and Programming Board, with the input of the student body, and the logistical guidance of the Campus Activities office, are empowered to select and book performers to bring to campus, as budget and availability allow;
Whereas, upholding our organizations’ reputations by not breaking contracts allows student organizations to maintain credibility with artist agencies and book a more diverse range of high-profile performers;
Whereas, in past years Student Programming Council (SPC) organizations have successfully hosted performers who had previously shared their political opinions publicly such as Josh Radnor (2025), Jesse Williams (2024), Mannequin Pussy (2024), BJ Novak (2023), Ziwe (2022), Eric Andre (2019), Jonathan Van Ness (2018), Adam Conover (2018), Laverne Cox (2014), John Oliver (2013), Bob Dylan (1999, 2013), Tracy Chapman (1988), the Ramones (1981, 1984), Arlo Guthrie (1973), and more, without issue;
Whereas, peer institutions have hosted other outspokenly political performers in recent months, including as follows: Kehlani at Northeastern University, Hunter Schafer at the University of Pennsylvania, Jordan Klepper at Dartmouth College;
Whereas, an increase in administrative oversight in the selections and booking process is antithetical to freedom of expression, will harm the quality of student programming, and erode the trust between student-run undergraduate University (IT) organizations, administration, and the student body;
Whereas, the Student Assembly is a democratic governing body representative of undergraduate students and is indispensable to campus life and Cornell's shared governance system;
Whereas, Appendix A of the Student Assembly Charter allows the Assembly to allocate the Student Activities Fee (SAF) for "activities and programs that benefit the Cornell community;"
Whereas, the Assembly's allocation of the SAF in its entirety is subject to the approval of the President of the University, rather than individual, SAF-funded events;
Whereas, the President approved the Assembly's allocation of funds for the 2025-26 academic year without conditions related to the invitation of guest speakers or performers.
Be it therefore resolved, the integrity and leadership of student-led programming should be protected by leaving the artist selection process in the hands of student organizations;
Be it further resolved, that the political viewpoints, affiliations, and lawful political expression of prospective performers shall not be taken into consideration by Cornell administration during the review, approval, or artist selection process;
Be it further resolved, for the purpose of this resolution, a “Cornell administrator” is defined as: An employee or consultant of Cornell University who formulates, determines, and effectuates university policies by expressing and making operative the university's decisions;[1]
Be it further resolved, once Cornell administration approves the performer, the administration cannot rescind the invitation for the given artist to perform except as contractually allowed;
Be it further resolved, this Assembly affirms its democratic power to allocate millions of dollars of the Student Activities Fee in a way that is most representative of the desires of the student body;
Be it further resolved, this Assembly affirms its confidence in student-led programming through the use of the Student Activities Fee;
Be it finally resolved, the administration respects the Student Assembly's independence and shared governance system, its allocation of the Student Activities Fee as delegated by the Charter, and the use of SAF funds by student organizations as empowered by this Assembly.
Respectfully Submitted,
Adam Vinson ‘25
Executive Vice President of the Student Assembly
Sara Almosawi ‘25
First Generation Representative, Student Assembly
Areli Esparza ‘26
Productions Director, Cornell Concert Commission
Succeeding Executive Director, Cornell Concert Commission
Hannah Devine-Rader ‘25
Executive Director, Cornell Concert Commission
Former Promotions Director, Cornell Concert Commission
Vincent Eynon ‘25
Former Finance Director, Cornell Concert Commission
Danielle Donovan ‘25
Former Student Workers Representative, Student Assembly
Former Programming Council Liaison, Cornell Concert Commission
Former Productions Director, Cornell Programming Board
Marian Decker ‘25
Finance Director, Cornell Concert Commission
Julia Minogue ‘27
Promotions Director, Cornell Concert Commission
Succeeding Selections Director, Cornell Concert Commission
Jen Grous ‘25
Selections Director, Cornell Concert Commission
Gabriella Melton ‘25
Administrative Director, Cornell Concert Commission
Lucas Vilas Bolas Oliveira ‘28
Succeeding Administrative Director, Cornell Concert Commission
Nagaa Dhaba ‘27
Succeeding Productions Director, Cornell Concert Commission
Samantha Smith ‘26
Former Chief Marketing Officer, Multicultural Community-Fueled Activities Board
Chief Executive Officer, Multicultural Community Fueled Activities Board
Kelsey Castro ‘26
Chief Operations Officer, Multicultural Community-Fueled Activities Board
Bianca Estrada ‘25
Chief Growth Officer, Multicultural Community-Fueled Activities Board
Michel Adelien ‘26
Chief Production Officer, Multicultural Community-Fueled Activities Board
Jessica Bizub ‘27
Hospitality Chair, Cornell Programming Board
Succeeding Promotions Chair, Cornell Programming Board
Miriam Lourie ‘26
Productions Chair, Cornell Programming Board
Succeeding Executive Chair, Cornell Programming Board
Succeeding Finance Chair, Cornell Concert Commission
Cynthia Chang ‘27
Vice President of External Affairs, Cornell Class Councils
Lilian Cao ‘27
Vice President of Communications and Media, CUTonight
Riya Patil ‘28
Treasurer, Student Union Board
Member, Student Programming Council
Joyce Li ‘25
Graphic Design and Social Media Manager, Guild of Visual Arts
Jessica Lin ‘26
Chair of Events and Activities, Guild of Visual Arts
Yvette Reyes ‘26
Vice President, Guild of Visual Arts
Sustainability Chair, Guild of Visual Arts
[1] adapted from the National Labor Relations Act’s definition of “managerial employee.”
