Resolution 7 University Position on HR3077 Approved by the GPSA January 26, 2004

Whereas, Cornell University is a first-tier teaching and research institution founded on principles of academic freedom;

Whereas, maintaining an academic environment free from harassment, coercion, and prejudice is in the best interest of students, faculty, and staff who work towards the University’s mission of independent scholarship and teaching;

Whereas, graduate students and faculty rely on sources of funding outside the University to support teaching and research initiatives;

Whereas, funding decisions have traditionally been based on independent processes of peer review;

Whereas, the pending legislation U.S. House of Representatives’ House Resolution 3077, titled the International Studies in Higher Education Act, an amendment to Title VI of the Higher Education Act (1965), compromises the University’s mission through the institution of a highly politicized advisory board;

Be it therefore resolved, that the GPSA acknowledges the potential threats HR3077 poses to academic freedom and integrity because it sets up an advisory board made up of political appointees;

Be it further resolved, that the GPSA strongly urges the University administration to take seriously the concerns of graduate students and other members of the Cornell community by holding a public forum on the University’s position on HR3077.

Respectfully Submitted,

Ariana Vigil Joan Moriarty GPSA Representative, Humanities GPSA Representative, Social Sciences

Mark McGuire Dr. Eric Cheyfitz GPSA Representative, Humanities Goldwin Smith Professor of English

Sonam Singh Saadia Toor Graduate Student, English Graduate Student, Development Sociology