University Statements

Dear Cornellians,

At the beginning of the semester we outlined the principles underlying our approach to expressive activity. That approach included full support for free expression and guidelines for addressing speech and actions that infringe on others' rights or involve violence or damage to university property. Our approach recognizes the freedom to express ourselves even in ways that may offend others and reinforces the responsibility to respect the rights of others.

Last Wednesday, members of our community displayed highly disruptive and intentionally menacing behavior in a protest that shut down a career fair at the Statler Hotel. The demonstrators forcibly entered the hotel by pushing aside Cornell Police officers. The protesters loudly marched through the hotel lobby and up the stairs, frightening students, staff, and recruiters.

Demonstrators forced their way past additional CUPD officers at the entrance to the Statler Ballroom, knocking off an officer’s body-worn camera. Once inside the room, the demonstrators screamed into bullhorns and banged cymbals, pots and pans, resulting in medical complaints of potential hearing loss. The protesters shouted profanity, disrupted display tables, and alarmed students who had been talking with employers.

These intimidating tactics have no place in a university and violate our commitments to each other. Actions have consequences, on campus and in the criminal justice system.

Individuals who entered the Statler and disrupted the career fair face immediate suspension or employment sanctions up to and including dismissal. Any protesters who engaged in criminal activity will be referred to the Tompkins County District Attorney. Behavior of this kind cannot be allowed to disrupt and harm our community.

Sincerely,

Michael I. Kotlikoff
Interim President

John Siliciano
Interim Provost