A leading donor at Cornell University, Jon A. Lindseth, has publicly demanded the resignation of the school’s president, citing his disapproval of the university’s ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
‘Toxic’ DEI Culture?
In a direct appeal to Chairman Kraig Kayser and the Board of Trustees, Lindseth, a Cornell emeritus trustee and presidential counselor, strongly criticized the university’s dedication to DEI.
He stated that this focus has led to ‘disgrace’ rather than ‘excellence.’
Donor ‘Alarmed’
“I am proud to count myself one of several generations of Lindseths who are Cornell alumni and invested donors, but I am alarmed by the diminished quality of education offered lately by my alma mater because of its disastrous involvement with DEI policies that have infiltrated every part of the university,” he expressed.
Cornell’s Education at Stake?
Lindseth continued, “I have spent years hearing the stories of Cornell and its leadership, participating as a student, and sponsoring and funding some of the University’s exemplary past work including the Library (which I continue to fund)”
Conditional Contributions
“I can no longer make general contributions until the university reformulates its approach to education by replacing DEI groupthink with the original noble intent of Cornell,” he concluded.
A Leadership Issue?
Jon A. Lindseth, a major donor to Cornell University for decades, has pointed out a stark contrast in President Martha E. Pollak’s responses to different events.
‘Shameful’ Response
He described Pollak’s reaction to antisemitism and Hamas as ‘shameful’ compared to her ‘strong response’ after George Floyd’s murder, suggesting that the university has shifted its focus from ‘discovering and disseminating knowledge’ to ‘adhering to DEI groupthink.’
Past Incidents
A student at Cornell University was arrested in 2023 for allegedly issuing threats of violence against Jewish people. In a separate incident, a Jewish student at Drexel University had their dorm room door set on fire.
A Threat to Free Speech?
Lindseth stated, “Today, the instruction Cornell offers is in DEI groupthink applied to every field of study. The result is a moral decay, some call it ‘rot,’ that falls in line with prevailing ideology and dishonors basic principles of justice and free speech.”
‘General Intolerance’ on Campus
He raised concerns about rising antisemitism, ‘general intolerance’ on campus, and changes like the removal of SATs and grades, arguing these promote equal outcomes over merit. Lindseth also criticized the new ‘bias reporting system’ on campus for creating an ‘Orwellian environment’ among students and faculty.
Can Alumni Make a Difference?
Lindseth revealed that over the past year, Cornell alumni have actively engaged in offering support and feedback, including policy suggestions and whistleblowing about troubling behavior on campus involving students, faculty, and administrators.
“The intent has been to see Cornell’s excellence restored by a determined rolling back of DEI and the toxic academic environment it creates,” he clarified.
Call for President’s Resignation
Lindseth announced his initiative to include calls for President Pollack’s resignation at the January 26 emergency board meeting. He also referenced recent data from the Cornell Free Speech Alliance, highlighting concerns about faculty recruitment based on race to meet DEI objectives.
Alumni Backlash
“With my writing of this letter, an increasing number of Cornell alumni are refusing to continue donating to their alma mater. Unfortunately, President Pollack and her administration have refused to engage with concerned alumni and their sound policy recommendations to correct Cornell’s course,” Lindseth continued.
Proposed Changes
In his communication to the Board of Trustees, Jon A. Lindseth included several recommendations, such as abolishing DEI staff positions, reinstating principles of Open Inquiry, Academic Freedom, Free Expression, and Viewpoint Diversity on campus, and stopping the development of the proposed ‘Cornell Center for Racial Justice.’
‘We need new leadership’
“No alumnus, student, or faculty member should accept Cornell’s being in this shameful position,” Lindseth asserted. “We need new leadership to correct these intolerable circumstances and to redeem Cornell’s legacy and honor as soon as possible.”
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