Office of the Assemblies

Dear Anuli,

 

Thank you for conveying to me Student Assembly Resolution #33: Confronting Cornell’s Legacy in American Imperialism in the Philippines.

 

During his presidency of Cornell, President Schurman was viewed as a champion for increasing the diversity of the student population at Cornell, writing in 1911 that “…All university doors must remain open to all students irrespective of color or creed or social standing or pecuniary condition…,” a perspective that was rare for that period. As we view history through our modern lenses, however, our understanding of Cornell’s past leaders—indeed, our understanding of the history of the U.S.—becomes more complex.  While we do not fully understand the involvement of President Schurman in developing the policies that affected the people of the Philippines, the rhetoric he expressed as part of that process are antithetical to Cornell’s values.

 

Sincerely,

 

Martha E. Pollack

 

 

 

Martha E. Pollack

President, Cornell University

300 Day Hall

Ithaca, NY 14853

Tel: 607-255-5201