In a troubling revelation, internal Cornell University records provided to us by a whistleblower, the Cornell Free Speech Alliance (CFSA), expose hiring practices that prioritize ideological alignment over merit. These practices, which are driven by Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, suggest a deeply embedded bias in faculty recruitment processes, raising serious legal and ethical concerns.
The Evidence: Discrimination Through DEI Policies
Our investigation reveals that Cornell’s reliance on DEI Statements in faculty hiring constitutes a de facto ideological litmus test.
These statements require candidates to pledge support for specific DEI principles and describe how they will embed them in their teaching and research. We have uncovered instances where otherwise highly qualified candidates were rejected primarily due to insufficient alignment with DEI priorities. Such practices undermine academic excellence and violate principles of free expression and merit-based evaluation.
Documents provided to CFSA show that in a recent hiring process within a STEM department, 21% of applicants were eliminated during initial screening solely based on their DEI Statements. These candidates’ academic credentials were not comprehensively reviewed, directly contradicting Cornell’s stated commitment to fairness and thorough evaluation.
Cornell’s DEI Agenda: A Broader Problem
Under former President Martha Pollack’s administration, DEI policies became a cornerstone of Cornell’s institutional mission. Pollack’s approach equated the advancement of DEI with the university’s commitment to free expression and academic freedom, a stance we find deeply flawed. Instead of fostering open inquiry and diverse perspectives, these policies have created a monoculture that marginalizes dissenting viewpoints and enforces ideological conformity.
The ramifications extend beyond hiring practices. Cornell’s DEI-driven culture has contributed to a divisive campus environment, with incidents of antisemitism and other forms of hostility on the rise. The university’s leadership has failed to adequately address these issues, further eroding trust within the Cornell community.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Cornell’s DEI practices likely violate U.S. and New York State anti-discrimination laws. Requiring candidates to disclose and align their personal beliefs with institutional ideology crosses a legal and ethical line, especially when such disclosures are unrelated to the candidates’ academic or professional qualifications.
Cornell’s public statements about scaling back DEI requirements—such as shifting DEI Statements from “mandatory” to “optional”—are misleading. Evidence from internal documents shows that DEI criteria remain central to hiring decisions, with candidates being assessed and often rejected based solely on these statements.
The Path Forward
With the departure of President Pollack, Cornell has an opportunity to correct course. We urge interim President Michael Kotlikoff and the university’s leadership to take bold steps to restore academic freedom, fairness, and meritocracy. Specifically, Cornell must:
Eliminate DEI Statements as a requirement in faculty hiring and admissions processes.
Prohibit the collection or consideration of DEI-related information in any form during hiring and admissions.
Adopt reforms similar to those at institutions like MIT, which have recognized the detrimental impact of mandatory DEI Statements on academic freedom and institutional integrity.
Cornell’s Responsibility to the Academic Community
Cornell was once a leader in fostering free inquiry and academic excellence. Its current trajectory, shaped by DEI-driven policies, threatens to erode this legacy. As donors, alumni, faculty, and students increasingly voice their concerns, the university must choose whether to continue down this path or embrace meaningful reform.
Our commitment at CFSA remains steadfast. We will continue to expose discriminatory practices, advocate for change, and support those within the Cornell community who seek to uphold the values of open inquiry and academic freedom. The time for Cornell to act is now—before legal challenges, public criticism, and declining trust further damage the institution’s reputation and mission.
Future Reports
We will soon publish additional case studies detailing discriminatory practices within Cornell’s hiring and admissions processes. These reports will provide further evidence of the urgent need for reform and underscore the widespread impact of DEI policies across the university. Stay tuned.
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