Cornell President Hunter Rawlings today (May 1, 1997) issued a statement in response to recent events on campus involving articles published in the Cornell Review and the resultant protests.

"Last year I issued a statement on civil discourse to the Cornell community. In those remarks, I talked about the need in universities for 'informed and patient discourse,' particularly about volatile issues that rend society at large as well as college campuses. It is incumbent upon those of us in academic communities to refrain from superficial rhetoric, easy answers to complex questions and the bitterness that characterizes so much of political life.

"Once again we confront the makings of such an anti-intellectual and antagonistic environment here at Cornell. Several articles in The Cornell Review, divisive in their intent, have hurt the spirits of many on campus. Race-baiting, stereotyping and intentionally degrading attacks on Cornell's African-American community have no place in our campus discourse. Though individuals have the right in this country to say or write such things, they thereby do themselves discredit, they harm others and they create a climate of hostility for all. Cornell University stands for reasoned thought, sustained discussion, constructive engagement and freedom with responsibility, not for abhorrent and abusive speech.

"The response to such provocations should be neither the adoption of the very tactics of the provocateurs nor the infringement of the rights of other members of the campus community. Civil discourse requires thoughtfulness, and an academic community values enlightenment. Lawful protest respects these constraints and is protected by the university community. Demands for restrictions on free speech and for other repressive actions, however, only escalate intolerance and feed hostility. The intemperate and abusive treatment of guest speakers and the illegal blocking of public streets serve to inflame passions and inevitably to shift attention away from the original purpose of the protest; they also have no place in our campus discourse.

"All of us, by our words and actions, shape this University every day. We should do our utmost to make it an intellectual and ethical home for all its members."