On September 30th, ACTA sent a letter to Michael Kotlikoff, Interim President of Cornell University, supporting his efforts to enforce viewpoint-neutral policies protecting free expression and campus safety at Cornell. Cornell is currently pursuing disciplinary proceedings against various members of its community, including a graduate student attending Cornell on a F-1 visa, for disrupting a career fair in mid-September.
About the disruptive event, Kotlikoff explains, “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.” Kotlikoff’s statement continues, “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.” ACTA agrees.
Such campus disturbances, all too familiar now and in the spring of 2024, will not end unless universities take seriously their responsibilities and enforce their policies. For more guidance on how universities can respect free expression and maintain control of their institutions and operations, see ACTA’s recently published guide, An Equal Space for All.
Launched in 1995, we are the only organization that works with alumni, donors, trustees, and education leaders across the United States to support liberal arts education, uphold high academic standards, safeguard the free exchange of ideas on campus, and ensure that the next generation receives an intellectually rich, high-quality college education at an affordable price.
Discover MoreSign up to receive updates on the most pressing issues facing our college campuses.