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

  • 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

Reorganized office strengthens Cornell's commitment to civil rights

The newly reorganized Cornell Office of Civil Rights (COCR) will bring the management of all reports related to Policy 6.4 – which outlines the university’s means for addressing bias, discrimination, harassment and sexual and related misconduct – under one umbrella.

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

The Cornell Fashion & Design Expo is The Department of Human Centered Design’s annual showcase, featuring our most innovative student designs, for alumni and industry partners. This exhibit features some of the work displayed at the Expo.

TBD

Calling all current international employees including J1 interns: join International Services (part of the Office of Global Learning) for a casual meet and greet/coffee hour on the final Friday of each month. Coffee and snacks will be provided.

We will provide an informal gathering "space" for any and all who wish to speak and hear Yiddish. The subject of conversation will depend on the interests of those who come. We look forward to meeting you!

Fridays at 12 p.m. ET

Join Yiddish Conversation Hour

News

For 10 years, the Youth CAN program has empowered students in Buffalo schools to execute projects that contribute to their communities, while gaining skills and experiences that will help them build careers.

The exhibit on Ithaca’s St. James A.M.E. Zion Church will open on Juneteenth with a community event scheduled for 4 p.m.

A project examining how to help companies hire neurodivergent people has received a termination order, halting work that could have helped autistic people find jobs and employers find talent.