As members of the Cornell Free Speech Alliance, we are deeply concerned about the lack of genuine competition and transparency in the upcoming 2025 Alumni Trustee Elections at Cornell University. According to a recent report by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), the process is being controlled by the administration in a way that undermines free expression and limits intellectual diversity.
The current system for selecting Alumni Trustees is anything but democratic. As the ACTA article highlights, "the Committee on Alumni Trustee Nominations (CATN) is responsible for selecting candidates, but it severely restricts independent campaigning." This creates an environment where only candidates handpicked by the administration are able to effectively campaign. Independent candidates, such as Cindy Crawford and J. Kennerly Davis, are virtually shut out from engaging with the Cornell alumni community, limiting the pool of ideas and perspectives that are crucial for a healthy academic environment.
At the heart of this issue lies the question of free speech and academic freedom. Cornell's Alumni Trustee elections should provide a forum for diverse viewpoints, but the current system stifles this diversity. ACTA points out that this "lack of transparency and competition" prevents Cornell alumni from having a meaningful voice in the election process. As members of the Cornell Free Speech Alliance, we believe that this is a critical issue for the future of the university. The right to debate and express differing opinions must be protected, both in the classroom and in the governance of the institution.
Moreover, this lack of competition is not just about limiting access to the board, but also about weakening the fundamental values of neutrality and fairness in university governance. ACTA warns that when a select few control the narrative around elections, "intellectual diversity is often compromised, and the values of free expression and political neutrality are undermined."
In conclusion, the Cornell Free Speech Alliance calls for greater transparency and fairness in the Alumni Trustee election process. We believe that all Cornell alumni, regardless of their political views or affiliations, should be able to participate fully in the democratic processes of the university. As ACTA concludes, the current system does not reflect the values of intellectual freedom that we hold dear: "Cornell’s administration must allow more opportunities for genuine competition and diverse perspectives in these crucial elections."
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