Whereas, Cornell was founded on the enduring principle of “any person” and “any study”, which by definition seeks and embraces a diversity of persons and intellectual inquiries,
Whereas, tolerance and understanding of divergent viewpoints requires: 1) the presence of divergent viewpoints, 2) means of divergent viewpoints to engage constructively, and 3) the lack of requirement or pressure to change viewpoints.
Whereas, the university operates as a Living Experiment wherein the community of faculty, staff, and students seek to live, work, and interact constructively while holding deeply divided sincerely held beliefs and opinions.
Whereas, the campus environments ideally provide inclusive shared spaces where engagement, discussion, debate, agreement, and disagreement may be passionately and justly achieved.
Whereas, shared governance between the University administration, faculty, students, and staff has historically achieved shared community buy-in and responsibility for constructive campus life,
Whereas, the University Assembly has served to integrate these voices for improving campus life and safety, in particular the Campus Codes Committee, as per Article IV (Charges of the Standing Committees), Section 4.1 (Campus Codes Committee) of the Bylaws of the University Assembly:
“Issues involving academic freedom and freedom of speech for all members of the
Cornell University community, including faculty, students, and staff on the Ithaca
campus and those located outside the United States.”
Be it therefore resolved, the University Assembly, principally its Campus Codes Committee, shall have representative jurisdiction on setting implementation and review procedures for any approved Expressive Activity Policy (EAP)
Be it further resolved, The UA/CCC will further establish an annual review process for disclosure of disciplinary and equity data as a consequence of Expressive Activity
Be it further resolved, the UA/CCC retains the authority to question administration representatives, issue recommendations to update the EAP policy, and
Be it finally resolved, the UA/CCC will retain representation in the body that changes this policy.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jonathan Butcher
Faculty Representative, University Assembly
Member, Campus Codes Committee, University Assembly
Nicholas Maggard
Undergraduate Representative, University Assembly
Chair, Campus Codes Committee, University Assembly
