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Cornell University

Office of the Dean of Faculty

Connecting & Empowering Faculty

Resolution 171: Regarding External Harassment

Passed: May 28, 2021
Vote Results with comments

Posted: May14, 2021

Sponsor: Working Group on External Harassment and the UFC

 

Background

Resolution

Whereas Cornell faculty and staff are noting an increase in external harassment and threatening communications that undermine their ability to work in an environment of equity, safety and respect,

Whereas such incidents violate Cornell University’s commitments to free and open expression and undermine the well-being of Cornell faculty and staff,

Whereas Cornell University administration’s understanding of these incidents through more systematic reporting mechanisms and coordination between various entities responsible for providing support needs to be improved,

Whereas the speed, quality and coordination of support available to individuals who have been targeted by such attacks needs to be strengthened,

Be it resolved that the Faculty Senate supports of the work completed by the Working Group on External Harassment on retrofitting the university bias reporting system to collect data and report on emerging patterns;

Be it further resolved that the Faculty Senate approves the resource document for faculty and staff and the resource document for chairs, deans, and directors that provide guidance on how to respond to external harassment;

Be it further resolved that the Faculty Senate supports the proposed mechanisms outlined in the overview for effective dissemination of these response procedures through online platforms and training during orientation sessions for new faculty and unit leadership;

Be it further resolved that additional issues remain to be resolved in the coming year with regards to maintaining data on external harassment and strengthening preventive guidance and support as well as creating policies that provide guidance on how to respond to external harassment of students.

Vote Results:

Yes = 67, No = 0, Abstain = 3, DNV = 56