Cornell University President Martha Pollack has announced her resignation after a major donor accused her of antisemitism and a "misguided" diversity program.
Pollack has also been attacked by critics for harsh penalties against six pro-Palestinian student protesters during a school year school year when Pollack launched a campus free-speech initiative.
One of the university's key contributors threatened earlier in January to withdraw funds unless Pollack stepped down and Cornell abandoned its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Pollack, who has been president of the university since 2017, has insisted that stepping down was not influenced by the polarized political atmosphere on campus or allegations of mishandling campus demonstrations.
"I understand that there will be lots of speculation about my decision, so let me be as clear as I can: This decision is mine and mine alone," she wrote in a university-wide email.
She called leading the institution an "amazing privilege," but said it's time for a "new chapter" in her life. Continuing to delay her retirement is "not in the university's best interest," Pollack noted.
Jon Lindseth, the donor who threatened to cut off funding, also urged the Board of Trustees to reconsider its "misguided commitment" to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), arguing that it has brought "disgrace" upon the Ivy League institution
Lindseth, a Cornell graduate from the class of 1956, voiced his alarm over the "diminished quality of education offered lately by my alma mater because of its disastrous involvement with DEI policies that have infiltrated every part of the university."
He alleged that threats had been made to Jewish students and support expressed for Hamas, and blamed the university's progressive ideology, according to The Daily Mail.
Pollack had previously reported his allegations to the FBI, highlighting that "nothing is more important than the safety of our communities, and we will not tolerate violence motivated by hate and extremism."
Cornell President Martha Pollack announces she'll retire next month. Pollack had said the '23-'24 academic year would have a pro-expression/academic freedom theme. Post-Oct. 7, like on many campuses, free speech controversies have proliferated instead. https://t.co/6cfsTQrVsQ pic.twitter.com/2bo45pj7Or
— Alex Morey (@1AMorey) May 9, 2024
Pollack, who will end her term on June 30, is the fourth Ivy League president to step down in the last six months amid unrest on campuses amid protests regarding the Israel-Hamas war.
