Cornell's Proposed Code of Conduct Changes Threaten Free Speech

In September 2017, Cornell University President Martha Pollack announced the creation of a “Task Force on Campus Climate”. The task force was to be composed of faculty, students, and staff, and was ostensibly designed to foster an environment that is “more diverse and inclusive, and that expresses greater respect and understanding.” The task force was directed to create recommendations for addressing instances of bigotry and intolerance. It was established in response to a student chanting “Build the Wall” that was not illegal under the current Campus Code.