Our Historic Commitment

New York State's leadership for individual equality was ahead of its time.

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.

In a letter dated February 17, 1867, Ezra Cornell stated young women should be educated in the university as well as young men so that both would have the same opportunities. In 1874, Andrew Dickson White confirmed the university would accept students of color even if the 500 enrolled white students “asked for dismissal on this account.”

1969

Willard Straight Hall Occupation draws national attention, engages the community in broad discussion about race relations and educational matters, and concludes peacefully.
Africana Studies & Research Center is established.

1968

Employment & Disability Institute is created.
Wari House Cooperative is established to house women of the African diaspora.
Cornell is among the first eight university sites for the New York State Education Opportunity Program. The program supports low income, first generation, and under-represented students in university admissions, financial aid, and academic success.

1966

Elmwood House is established to house men of the African diaspora.

1965

Near Eastern Studies is created at Cornell.

1964

First convened in 1963, the Committee on Special Educational Projects (COSEP) is officially launched by Dr. James Perkins, the seventh president of Cornell. The first program of its kind at a major American university, it is designed to increase the enrollment of African American students at Cornell and to provide them with support services. The number of Black students enrolled increases from 8 to over 250 during his presidency.
Cornell is one of the first universities to host the Upward Bound program, launched in 1964 by President Johnson.

1961

Center for International Studies and the Latin American Studies Program are established at Cornell.