Cornell University was included in the list of universities whose federal funding was suspended by the Trump administration as part of broader coercive policy demands aimed at eliminating DEI programs and asserting control over university governance.

Amid a civil rights investigation, the Trump administration suspended $1B in research funding for Cornell University. The move, viewed as politically motivated and reflective of authoritarian pressure, marks another instance where progressive and inclusive values at the university face external challenges.

The Trump administration froze over $1B in federal funding for Cornell University amid an investigation into alleged civil rights violations, a move widely viewed as a politically motivated effort to pressure academic institutions. Cornell has responded by seeking further information from federal officials, underscoring its commitment to academic freedom and resistance to authoritarian interference.

In response to reports of a Cornell graduate student being targeted for participating in pro-Palestinian protests, Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff stated that the institution would advise affected individuals to take appropriate steps if anyone were to be targeted for expressing their political opinions. This statement underscores the university's commitment to protecting academic freedom and free expression in the face of authoritarian measures.

During a vigil at Columbia University protesting policy changes demanded by the Trump administration, a Cornell University professor publicly decried the coercive measures and underscored the importance of defending democratic values and academic freedom.

Recent studies have revealed that Cornell University, among other institutions, utilizes DEI statements as a screening tool in faculty hiring. This practice penalizes applicants who do not explicitly address race/ethnicity and gender, effectively serving as an ideological litmus test that enforces conformity and may undermine academic freedom and fair labor practices.

Cornell University is hosting discussions and events through Global Cornell to promote democratic participation, transparency, and accountability. The initiative underscores a commitment to robust democratic practices and serves as a strong countermeasure to authoritarian tendencies.

Cornell University's Brooks School Center on Global Democracy hosted a hybrid event that featured leading scholars discussing the erosion of democratic institutions by authoritarian regimes and strategies for democratic mobilization. This event showcases Cornell's role in fostering informed debate and resistance against authoritarian trends.

A pro-Palestine student, previously suspended and restricted by Cornell University for his activism, has initiated legal action against Trump’s executive orders. The episode, which involved the suppression of political expression through disciplinary measures, raises concerns about academic freedom and the institution's political behavior.

After a 15-day strike, Cornell University agreed to a contract with UAW 2300 workers that includes wage increases between 21% and 25.4%, improved benefits, and enhanced working conditions. This contract marks a significant step toward recognizing and addressing worker grievances amid rising tuition and a ballooning endowment, reflecting strong labor rights advocacy.

Over 1,000 employees represented by the UAW initiated a strike on move-in day after alleging that Cornell University failed to negotiate in good faith. The dispute, marked by claims of unfair labor practices and subsequent filing of unfair labor practice charges, raises serious concerns about the institution’s treatment of its workers.

The UAW has filed seven unfair labor practice charges against Cornell University, alleging retaliation, union busting, discrimination, and a failure to bargain in good faith during contract negotiations, highlighting serious labor rights violations.

Cornell University spent $600,000 on lobbying in 2023. This expenditure highlights the university's active engagement in political lobbying, an activity that raises concerns from an anti-fascist perspective regarding the influence of elite institutions on democratic policy-making and potential complicity in fostering authoritarian practices.

Cornell University approved a dual degree program with Peking University amid widespread criticism from students and faculty, raising concerns that the move could compromise academic freedom and ethical standards by aligning with a regime known for repressive practices.