Following the student-led referendum held in April, President Pollack formally disapproved of its demands in a public statement sent on Thursday. Although the Cornell President is required to provide a written response to the referendum within 30 days, Pollack sent out her formal statement in 38. In responding to the first question of the referendum, Pollack stated that it is not the place of a university to call for a ceasefire and take a stance on contentious geopolitical issues. Pollack formally declined to recommend the divestment proposal to the Board of Trustees in her statement, citing the purposes of the University endowment and how such divestments could violate New York law. “Universities are intended to be places of reflection and learning, of thoughtful debate, and of rigorous analysis,” Pollack said.

Source: Daily Sun May 30, 2024 23:14 UTC