Whereas, Cornell University is a LGBT affirming and supportive campus; and

Whereas, the Office of the Dean of Students affirms and supports the variety of identities and interests that Cornell students present by sponsoring clubs, events, peer-to-peer interactions, and other activities that enhance students’ well-being and celebrate their differences whether they be cultural, religious, sexual preference, or gender identity; and

Whereas, the mission of the LGBT Resource Center is to coordinate the efforts of the entire Cornell University community to ensure the inclusion of all LGBT people and to eliminate heterosexism and gender identity oppression; and

Whereas, three years ago Cornell had a full-time LGBT Resource Center (LGBTRC) staff director, a LGBTRC permanent staff office manager, a full-time permanent Assistant Dean of LGBTQ Student Affairs, and graduate and undergraduate support staff; and

Whereas, today Cornell has one temporary interim director for the LGBTRC with a number graduate and undergraduate student support staff; and

Whereas, the position of LGBT Resource Center Director is “paused,” the Office Manager position is not being advertised, and the position of Asst. Dean for LGBTQ Student Affairs has not been filled in over 1.5 years; and

Whereas, graduate and undergraduate students, staff, faculty, and Ithaca community members have met at least three times with senior administrators to discuss the lack of resources at Cornell, and students are actively advocating for basic support and the filling of at least two of the positions described herein; and

Whereas, graduate and undergraduate students urge a consolidation of these positions under the LGBTRC by moving the LGBT Assistant Dean position to be under the direction of the LGBTRC Director, instead of being under the Office of Student Support administration as it is now;

Be it therefore resolved that the GPSA strongly urges the President and Dean of Students to consider the requests of the LGBT students outlined in this resolution; and

Be it further resolved that the University should consider giving the LGBT administrative staff access to Cornell LGBT Alumni information and/or that the Cornell development staff consider working with the LGBT administrative staff in seeking funds for LGBT resources and personnel; and

Be it finally resolved that this resolution be circulated to David J. Skorton, President; Sunny Power, Dean of the Graduate School; Susan Murphy, Vice President for Student and Academic Services; and Kent Hubbell, Dean of Students.

Respectfully Submitted,

Mario Guerrero
Executive Vice President