Cornell responds to minority student's protests. The University spoke to WVBR News to address the protester's concerns. "Cornell's commitment to diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the University's DNA," said University Spokesperson Claudia Wheatley "we need to try and work together to make people feel that their problems are being addressed."
Wheatley, however, reiterated that the current economic climate and the University's recent financial problems made dramatic changes difficult in the near term. “This is a very difficult time in the university's history, financially. We are in a situation that is not likely to be resolved in weeks or months, but possibly years,” said Wheatley.
Some protesters were not satisfied by the university's response. “The financial situation has been an excuse to challenge all the support for minority students,” said protester Annie Bass.
Despite the disagreement in point of view, Wheatley says the university is committed to working with students to resolve these issues. “We can make real progress on real problems.”