America’s history is reflected in its universities and its students. Though Cornell is relatively young compared to other elite institutions, it has still been hit with some of the worst of our country’s history– history that has moved students then and now to rise together against social injustices both on campus and beyond. If we look at Cornell’s own history, racial and socioeconomic injustices have been tolerated just like they have been in most universities across America. Though the days of segregation and racism seem like they belong in the past, it is clear that its shadows continue to loom over this country.

It was not only awakening to hear the perspectives of a couple of guest speakers at the October eCornell Keynotes event on this country’s past mistakes, but also encouraging to find that university leaders are now making more efforts to support student activism to help mend those mistakes. The only way to move forward from the grim past is to invite peaceful protest, legislative amendments, and constructive discussions, especially on college campuses that are building up the next leaders of the world. As discussed during the Keynotes event, top universities like Cornell ought to do more than boast of their diversity and inclusion in their brochures; there must be a genuine commitment to hearing student voices and giving them the space and time to speak it. Especially now, in a period of vulnerability throughout the country, it is crucial that students at top-tier universities take advantage of the privilege we have to be heard, and that leaders of those top-tier universities do all that they can to support us through it.