Initiatives

Freedom + Responsibility

At Cornell, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment where freedom and responsibility are not just principles, but the foundation of our daily interactions and growth. The Freedom and Responsibility initiative is inspired by Carl Becker’s challenge to all of us to temper passions with reasoned discourse and civil engagement and to remember what we owe each other in this precious community. This initiative invites every member of our community — students, staff, faculty and alumni — to engage deeply with one another through reasoned discourse, civil engagement and mutual respect.

As we embrace the freedom to learn, explore and share ideas, we also acknowledge the responsibilities that come with being part of a diverse academic community that is united in its mission. This means not only advancing knowledge and innovation but also upholding respect and consideration for differing viewpoints.

Join us in this important dialogue as we continue to shape a community that honors both the liberties and the duties we share in our pursuit of greater understanding and impact.

Featured Programs/Events

Resources

Center on Global Democracy

The Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy’s Center on Global Democracy tackles the fundamental questions facing democracies, serving as a hub for research and learning to strengthen democratic institutions.

Guide on strategies for cultivating democratic education and dialogue

A written guide, designed to help faculty and staff prepare to facilitate productive dialogue related to sociocultural and political issues.

Engaging Viewpoint Diversity in the Classroom

The Center for Teaching Innovation offers a framework and approaches to encouraging free and open inquiry, engaging wide-ranging and sometimes conflicting or contending ideas, and fostering inclusive learning environments where students feel challenged and supported.

News Stories

Upcoming Events

  • Emerging Tech Dialogue Event - October 15, 2024

    The Emerging Tech Dialogues are hosted by Ithaca Chief Information Officer Ben Maddox. Each day-long symposium is conducted on campus as well as in Zoom. The events are free of charge and the themes address current higher education technology trends and concerns.

  • Bartels World Affairs Lecture: Naomi Klein - October 23, 2024

    The Einaudi Center’s flagship event brings distinguished international figures to campus each year to speak on global topics and meet with Cornell faculty and students, particularly undergraduates. This year's lecturer is Naomi Klein, a notable author, social activist and filmmaker known for her political analyses. Klein will speak on the themes of political polarization found in her latest best-seller Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World.