The founding of Cornell was undeniably a unique one.
A coeducational, nonsectarian institution with a non-discriminating curriculum and diverse student body was a radical idea in 1865. Cornell was unique in its provision of atypical subjects of study, believing that such scholarship is as deserving of consideration as any other.
Cornell was a pioneer in its admission of women, black students, and students of varying nationalities and socioeconomic status. Since he grew up in poverty, Ezra Cornell was keen on providing educational opportunities to non-wealthy students, allowing them to earn their keep by helping to build the university itself.
In our adherence to Cornell’s vision of “any person…any study,” we as an institution find ourselves to be the “first American university.” Not that we are the first, chronologically, but that we are the first to embody the various principles that we deem today to be quintessentially American. We as an institution now ought to embrace our unique founding even further by instilling in the student body a sense of pride in this American identity—in how we have defined and exemplified that identity over the years.
One way to do that is through the inclusion of more American flags on campus. This would be best paired with additional Cornell flags, as well. As one walks through the streets of Cornell, one will notice the various locations in which the American flag is placed: in our memorials, at Willard Straight Hall, on top of Day Hall, and in our various athletic centers. However, they lack a presence in other key locations on campus, such as the Cornell Law School and the various school quads. Neither are they present in any of the essential academic buildings, such as Goldwin Smith Hall, or libraries, such as Olin or Mann. What few do exist are relegated to the corners of large rooms. Their presence (or lack thereof) on North Campus would even give Waldo a run for his money.
The flag serves as a reminder of one’s identification with the values that define our country. It signifies the influence this identity has on the space in which it is exhibited. And it represents the association that its presenter has with America’s founding principles. With more American flags, not only will Cornell’s student body be more unified in identifying with the nation which provides them all the opportunities they currently hold, but we will also be reminded of the contributions we have made to the national identity. As mentioned earlier, Cornell is a pioneer in furthering the ideals of diversity and egalitarianism, which define our nation’s history.
Cornell also possesses a rich military history. We had more officers in the First World War than any other institution in the country, including the military academies. We also kept our ROTC program in the 1960s during times of unrest, despite other Ivies abandoning theirs. We have even produced a Medal of Honor recipient, LTC Matt Urban, who is one of the most decorated infantrymen in the Army’s history. Cornell University has demonstrated its commitment to the nation’s legacy and security, and we ought to be proud of our close historical ties to our nation’s identity.
Understandably, it may be difficult for international students to relate to the American identity in the same way. The flag thus serves only as a reminder. Of the opportunities, this nation provides; of the values that define Cornell as an institution, and; of the history that defines the space in which they study. As a first-generation citizen, I see the flag as an acknowledgment of the values, opportunities, and legacy of America, which continue to motivate my commitment to this nation.
Cornell is the first American university, and we ought to embrace that. In a time when our campus seems to be divided over everything, and when COVID has destroyed much of our bonds to our alma mater, the subtle addition of American (and Cornellian) flags would work to remind us of our shared identity, opportunities, and purpose.
