Heard at Cornell is a column that regularly quotes important statements from Cornellians. This excerpt is taken from a August 26 statement by President Kotlikoff entitled “Freedom and responsibility.” In it, he addressed institutional neutrality:
“[A]dministrative actions must be consistent and content neutral. In furtherance of institutional neutrality and deference to the many and diverse views in the Cornell community, the President and Provost will refrain from opining on national or global events that do not directly impact the university.”
While not adopting a formal institutional neutrality statement like the Kalven Report, President Kotlikoff’s announcement is valid as Cornell policy for at least the next two years that he will serve as Interim President. During this time, Kotlikoff will refrain from imposing a political orthodoxy on Cornellians and allow everyone to make up their own minds on the issue of the day.
The Cornell Review has been advocating for institutional neutrality since 2020.
