2025 Alumni Trustee Elections at Cornell University

Every year, the Cornell community elects two alumni to join the board of trustees. The 2025 Cornell Alumni Trustee Elections are taking place now through the end of the month, giving alumni an opportunity to make their voices heard regarding the direction of Cornell’s leadership. Unfortunately, under the existing election rules, it is unlikely that those whose views do not align with the Cornell administration will have a chance to do so. Like elections conducted under authoritarian regimes, Cornell’s trustee elections are mere pageantry. The current process gives the illusion of objectivity while hindering independent candidates from having any real chance at success. The result of this unfair process will be a complacent and ineffective governing board.

The board consists of 64 members and is “vested with ‘supreme control’ over the university.” Trustee elections are overseen by the Committee on Alumni Trustee Nominations (CATN), which, Cornell states, was founded with the intention of creating a more “dignified” election process. In practice, CATN serves merely as a tool for the university to micromanage the elections. CATN handpicks candidates, who are prominently listed on Cornell’s website as “Endorsed by the Committee on Alumni Trustee Nominations.” Cornell does allow independent candidates to petition for a spot on the ballot, but lists them as “Unendorsed candidate; petitioned to be on ballot,” which, as the College Fix puts it, is “akin to some sort of scarlet letter.”  

This year, two unendorsed candidates have made it on to the ballot, Cindy Crawford and J. Kennerly Davis. The Alumni Free Speech Alliance stated in an open letter to Cornell alumni that both candidates “bring hope for critically important university reform,” by championing “academic freedom, political neutrality, and intellectual diversity.” Although Cornell designated the 2023–2024 academic year as a “Year of Free Expression,” several current campus policies actively undermine these values. It is critical that newly elected board members prioritize free expression and intellectual diversity, but Ms. Crawford and Mr. Davis face an uphill battle: They are not allowed to campaign.

Under CATN’s election guidelines, campaign activities of any kind are prohibited, including all communication—whether written, oral, or through social media—about a candidate’s platform. Not only must candidates refrain from discussing their bid in any way, but alumni are also “prohibited from contacting candidates to ask questions or engage in conversation relating to the election.” Cornell claims the provision is necessary because “many who might be superb trustees are financially unable and/or do not desire to engage in campaigning,” which may hinder candidates from being “considered solely on their merits.” But how can alumni voters assess each candidate’s “merits” if the candidates themselves are not able to communicate with them? The campaigning ban serves as a mechanism for the Cornell administration to quiet the voices of those who could rock the boat, ironically revealing why leaders who are committed to free expression are so urgently needed on the board.

The result of an election heavily regulated by Cornell administration will result in a lack of intellectual diversity on its governing board. Boards that lack diversity of thought foster a culture of passive and complacent leadership—a “follow rather than lead” style of governance. Although ACTA does not endorse individual candidates, it is our hope that shedding light on bias within the existing election structure will eventually result in an institutional change and provide independent-minded candidates with opportunities to make a difference at the university.