When watching the virtual talk, Social Justice on America’s Campuses: Reflections on the Past and Leading in the Present, I found it extremely interesting how Cornell fits into the equation of campus orientation. When thinking about the speakers’ points, being an ivy league institution means that Cornell stands as a leading force for change and direction among universities in the country. Thus, we have a chance to help beneficially set the tone for the rest of the academic community as one of the staple leaders in higher education along with the other ivy league colleges.
I find this to be important because of the current precipice of higher education we sit on. One primary way I think that Cornell can lead the way in this sense is by recognizing and instigating the change we want to see at the highest levels. If Cornell makes strides to aid the community of color at a new level, other institutions will follow by virtue. This is proven by the previous methods of dictating the college education system through determining the value of standardized testing, general education requirements and many other facets of the college experience we know today. I hope Cornell takes this opportunity and makes a more equitable college experience for all.
I agree with your stance. Especially at Cornell, students have many opportunities to raise their voices and be heard by the university. While the administration will have the final say, it is the students who put ideas out there, communicate them, and ultimately must carry them out. I hope students continue to be vocal about their passions and what Cornell should do so that we can better represent this university well in the present and into the future.
I didn’t realize the mass impact that Cornell specifically has as a university. Many other universities look up to Cornell for guidance, so I definitely agree with you on that front. It challenges Cornell to make implementable changes in how they run their student body. I know that there are many assemblies on campus, and as a transfer student, I am not too familiar with how powerful they are, but I think the Cornell has the right idea in mind.