SA R8 (2017-2018): Condemning Hate Crimes and Hate Speech, and Support Students

Acknowledged by the President

• Resolution:
  SA R8 (2017-2018): Condemning Hate Crimes and Hate Speech, and Support Students
• Day:
  November 8, 2017
• Action:
  Acknowledged by the President
• Summary / Notes:

  Dear Jung,

  Thank you for conveying to me Resolution 8: Condemning Hate Crimes and Hate Speech, and Supporting Students. I appreciate the time, leadership and concern brought forth in this resolution as we continue to move forward from the disturbing events that occurred this semester. As I wrote in my response to GPSA Resolution 4, I agree that all members of the Cornell community have a role to play in making our campus community more empathetic and inclusive.

  With regard to recommendations made by Black Students United and La Asociación Latina, some of these have already been implemented or are in progress, including mandatory training for all fraternities and sororities, and the hiring of four new clinical staff members of color at Counseling & Psychological Services, something that was also among the OISE Leadership Council’s recommendations. As another example, we will begin developing an alternative dispute resolution process this spring. I have asked the Presidential Task Force to carefully consider the rest of the recommendations as they create a strategy for meaningful and holistic institutional change. 

  The Presidential Task Force Subcommittee on Speech and Harassment will work alongside the University Assembly and its Codes and Judicial Committee (CJC) on potential Code changes related to these important matters, using a timeline that will allow for broad and thoughtful discussion of these matters, full transparency of process and opportunity for public comment.

  With respect to Resolution 8’s clause related to Psi Upsilon, Cornell does not intend to reinstate the fraternity.  

  Thank you again for submitting this resolution. I look forward to continuing to work with the SA on these matters that are so critical to Cornell.

  Sincerely,

  Martha Pollack

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