Letter to the Editor regarding changing the name of Cornell University to Kendi and Floyd University. Although I agree completely with the author about the name change, I suggest that changing the Cornell motto from “Any Person, Any Study” to “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” is not as good as changing it to IMAGO DEI–in the image of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

We must fight those that say that say that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is the cause of Antisemitism. That is a position that can be held only by transphobic and homophobic cis-heteronormal white supremacists, such as Professor Jacobson, Professor Wayne, and alumnus Professor Gad Saad.

We must support President Pollack’s virtuous stand in building up Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to fight antisemitism. President Pollack’s position is clear in her missive on Standing against antisemitism and all forms of hate,

Let me say again clearly. We will not tolerate antisemitism at Cornell; indeed we will not tolerate hatred of any form, including racism or Islamophobia. What does this mean? It means, first and foremost, that when there are threats or incitement to violence, we will respond rapidly and forcefully, as we did in this case. It also means enhancing the prominence of our attention to antisemitism in our diversity and equity programing, both in online materials and in the programs that we require of and offer to our community.

We will build a new Cornell in the image of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Imago DEI