Our Historic Commitment

At a time when the American Equal Rights Association was being formed as a coalition between women's rights and anti-slavery organizations (1866)—and prior to the adoption of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (1868)—university co-founders Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White were committed to creating a university that was open to all individuals, regardless of race or gender.

Timeline

2022

  • Commitment to Indigenous Communities and Nations in North America supported in new website.

2019

  • "Belonging at Cornell” institutional diversity planning initiative established.

2017

  • Test summary Cornell's first incoming class to the College of Engineering achieves gender parity.

2016

  • Cornell recognizes undocumented students as eligible for domestic need-based financial aid.

2015

  • First Female President, Elizabeth Garrett

Announcements

Task Force to develop guidelines for use of institutional voice

A new Cornell task force will develop guidance for how and when the university should exercise its “institutional voice” to speak officially on issues of social and political significance. Community members will be invited to provide input as the committee develops their recommendations. Announcements will be made about opportunities to engage.

Students and parents walking on campus

Initiatives and Activities

In a society characterized, in many ways, by division and polarization, the Center for Dialogue & Pluralism (CDP) (formerly the Intergroup Dialogue Project) advances intentional engagement across, and about, differences as an essential democratic practice.

Students sitting in an IDP discussion

The Office of Spirituality and Meaning-Making (OSMM) supports Cornell students of all religious and nonreligious identities, ethical backgrounds, and worldviews. The Office works to guide and support opportunities for students to explore the spiritual dimension of life and learning. 

Students sitting at table dining

Student Disability Services works in partnership with Cornell faculty, staff, and students to ensure that all aspects of student life are accessible, equitable, and inclusive of individuals with disabilities.

Student with guide dog walking on campus

The Center forges paths to a transformed future by producing and applying knowledge about racism, colonialism, and reinforcing forms of inequality (e.g., class, gender, religion). 

Students at 2025 MLK lecture

Diversity and Inclusion Resources

Cornell University encourages and supports a culture that provides for the full participation of all members of our community, including faculty, staff and students. We offer a variety of Diversity and Inclusion Resources to facilitate learning and dialog around the various topics related to this mission. Everyone is encouraged to engage in these opportunities to appreciate different perspectives and develop informed conclusions.

Community Resources

Cornell offers campus-wide resources, as well as college and local programs that support the rich heterogeneity of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and the wider community.

Centers for Student Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging

The Centers for Student Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging (The Centers) is part of the Office of the Dean of Students within Student and Campus Life. The Centers work together to focus on identity exploration and celebration, involvement opportunities, leadership development, support, and allyship. The Centers encourage students to explore and embrace the depth of their multiple identities to foster a more profound understanding of themselves and others.

Students preparing for Dragon Day 2025

Upcoming Events

Hirshland Exhibition Gallery

Before social media, before #BlackTwitter, there was nineteenth-century Black print. “We struggle against opinions. Our warfare lies in the field of thought,” proclaimed the 1847 National Convention of Colored People held in Troy, NY.

Neurodiversity Dialogues is a monthly series exploring topics related to neurodiversity and the experience of neurodivergent people, focusing on higher education.

401 Physical Sciences Building, 401

Join us in celebrating our graduating undergraduate and graduate students.

Friday, May 23
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
401 Physical Sciences Building

Please RSVP by May 14 using the link below, and include the pronunciation of your name for the ceremony: RSVP Here

News

The inaugural Elevate Women’s Leadership & Empowerment Series marks a bold step in reimagining how women lead and connect at Cornell. 

The Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives held their ninth annual OADI Honors Awards celebration Friday evening, May 2, at the Statler Hotel.  

Weill Cornell Medicine and colleagues in Tanzania are fostering a new generation of M.D./Ph.D. researchers, with implications for improved health care outcomes worldwide.