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We were formed in October 2025 as a community of Cornell alumni and allies, in response to the failure of Cornell's leadership. The initial impetus was leadership's failure to stand up to authoritarian pressure and maintain Cornell's commitment to academic freedom and diversity, but we have seen numerous examples of failed leadership since then. Email us at connect [at] cornell courage. com --we are less active now but still checking occasionally. The text below reflects our concerns as of mid-2026. We keep it as a record of what our main concerns have been over a period of many months; however, our group has not been as active lately, since various personal circumstances and other activism have reduced the organizers' ability to continue organizing and the others in our community are also juggling many things.
--------------------------------- Not only did the university's president & board capitulate in Nov. 2025 to the Trump administration's unlawful demands, but the issues have not stopped there . To name but a few, Cornell's administration has
Refused multiple requests to disclose how the terms of this 'deal' have been putting students and faculty at risk, e.g. by handing over their personal data to the federal government.
Disregarded the wishes of the student body by resisting the nearly-unanimous outcome of a recent student referendum; and have otherwise suppressed student freedom of speech.
Dismissed and/or ignored the concerns raised by hundreds of alumni, and even provided misleading information.
There's also reason to keep a close eye on Cornell's financial health, given the ongoing budget cuts and plans to take on $1bn+ more debt (mainly for legal costs)--after Cornell alienated a chunk of the alumni base that provides a critical revenue source. If you're feeling conflicted about donating to Cornell, read here about our suggested approach to strategic use of donations.
We must insist on transparency and accountability. As the fallout from the agreement is continuing to unfold, Cornell needs its alumni and other allies, now more than ever. We must stand up for Cornell's values and legacy and, on a more practical level, look out for the best interests of students, faculty, and staff.
Contact us at: connect @ cornellcourage. com
After a summer hiatus, we are monitoring developments this fall. We were active last spring on several fronts:
May 2026:
We launched our first report. Click below to read/download the file:
CORNELL STUDENTS AT RISK: How the university’s settlement with the Trump administration jeopardizes student data and security
Other things we've done so far:
Engaged with Cornell's leadership
We hand-delivered our Open Letter to Cornell's President and Trustees. This first installment included hundreds of signatures. Please take a look and sign on to be included in the next version!
It was accompanied by a "Demand Letter" from the steering committee, based on our legal analysis listing concrete steps that Cornell's leaders must now take to protect Cornell's values, academic freedom, and student privacy, and more.
In January, we met with advisers to Cornell's President Kotlikoff. We believe they were not sufficiently responsive, so other efforts will be required. Stay tuned and follow our social media for the latest: Instagram, Bsky, and FB.
Gained media attention
We've received press coverage including of our December visit to Cornell.
Our social media channels are connecting us with Cornellians and other allies. Are you SM-savvy? Please follow us on Instagram, Bluesky, and FB!
Made important connections
We aligned with a local group that organized an earlier appeal to Cornell about standing up to pressure. When submitting our open letter, we included a message highlighting our shared sentiments with the 500+ alumni on that petition.
We've met with other Cornell groups/constituencies; so that we can stay abreast of their developments and align with them where suitable. There are many groups and we haven't connected with all--we welcome hearing from others.
Joined a collective of related alumni groups from our Ivy peers and other top research universities; the Stand for Campus Freedom project has helped in convening. Please visit our affiliate groups page to learn more. They can use your support as well.
Started tactical initiatives
We have an academic freedom committee that has produced a report on the new risks to Cornell's student privacy/data. We'll also be trying to assess the impact of the agreement on Cornell's alumni donations. Let us know if you're interested in getting involved!
We have promoted alumni engagement in the annual alumni trustee elections process. (Note: we were unable to endorse candidates, as per Cornell policies, but we ensured that at the online candidate forum, the trustee candidates were asked about the settlement and their views on academic freedom). What next? We'll continue to follow events on campus and keep our ears to the ground as we determine the best ways to help the campus community and Cornell's future. Our next goal is to raise some further awareness of our group, so that we can involve more Cornellians and allies in advocating for Cornell's values and best interests.
We could always use involvement from other Cornellians, even in bite-sized amounts to fit busy schedules. Email us at connect@cornellcourage.com .
*If you'd rather not sign our online letter, you can download our editable version and mail hard copies to the President and/or Board. But we would not be able to contact you with updates.
Hesitant to sign yet another form? We understand, and want to explain our process to help put your mind at ease. Here's our disclosure. Feel free to drop us a line at connect@cornellcourage.com.






"Fight for Cornell." Words by Kenneth Roberts 1908, Music by Theodore J. Lindorff 1907. From Paul J. Weaver, ed., Songs of Cornell (Ithaca, Cornell Alumni Association: 1954), 44.
Cornell Courage is an independent organization created by Cornell University alumni & other members of the Cornell community. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cornell University.
Follow us on Bluesky here & at the other social accounts blow