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Law Prof. William Jacobson Calls for End to Cornell's Destructive & Discriminatory DEI Policies

Writer's picture: Cornell Free Speech AllianceCornell Free Speech Alliance

Cornell University is at a pivotal juncture following President Martha Pollack's unexpected resignation amid escalating campus tensions. The Cornell Free Speech Alliance (CFSA) views this transition as a crucial opportunity to reassess and reform the university's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, which have been linked to increased campus discord and antisemitism.

In a recent New York Post op-ed, Professor William A. Jacobson of Cornell Law School critiqued the DEI initiatives implemented during Pollack's tenure. He highlighted that the adoption of Ibram X. Kendi's "How To Be An Antiracist" as recommended reading in June 2020 set a divisive precedent, categorizing individuals as either "anti-racist" or racist, with no middle ground. Jacobson contends that this binary perspective has fostered an environment where students are pitted against each other based on race and identity, exacerbating campus tensions.


The CFSA echoes Jacobson's concerns, emphasizing that the DEI framework has permeated nearly every facet of university life, often at the expense of open inquiry and academic freedom. The alliance argues that the current DEI policies have inadvertently encouraged the formation of identity-based coalitions, such as anti-Israel groups aligning as "students of color" against perceived adversaries. This dynamic has intensified intergroup conflicts and contributed to a hostile atmosphere for Jewish students and others.

The CFSA calls upon Cornell's Board of Trustees to take decisive action by:

  1. Pausing all new administrative DEI initiatives for the remainder of the academic year to allow for a comprehensive review.

  2. Adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism to provide clear guidelines for identifying and addressing antisemitic behavior on campus.

  3. Establishing an independent commission to investigate the prevalence of antisemitism and assess the impact of DEI policies on campus unity and free expression. This commission should include diverse voices from faculty, students, staff, and alumni to ensure a holistic evaluation.


The CFSA believes that these steps are essential to restore a campus environment that upholds individual dignity, fosters open dialogue, and ensures that policies intended to promote diversity do not inadvertently sow division. By critically examining and restructuring the current DEI framework, Cornell can reaffirm its commitment to academic excellence and inclusivity for all members of its community.

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