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Dean’s Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Alex Colvin

The ILR School seeks to further Cornell University’s commitment to inclusion and opportunity, rooted in the democratic and nonsectarian values envisioned by its founders. As the leading academic institution focused on the world of work, labor, and employment, issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are central to our mission. We address these important issues through our teaching, research, outreach and as an employer.

  • Teaching: our curriculum across undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels addresses DEI issues as central to understanding the world of work.
  • Research: we have leading researchers investigating DEI in the workplace and in society, developing insights that improve policy and practice.
  • Outreach: we engage with workers, organizations, and policymakers to help labor, management, and government advance DEI in their own organizations and in their work.
  • Employment: we are committed to recruiting and retaining  exceptional faculty and staff that reflects the diversity of our students.

Creating an environment where students, staff, and faculty experience a strong sense of community is paramount. We will continue to strive as an institution to advance our DEI commitments and create a more equitable and inclusive environment so all members can thrive.

Alexander Colvin, Kenneth F. Kahn Dean of the ILR School

Students

Office of Student Services

The Office of Student Services can help students with inclusion, and offer direct support for those in need. Find out more about the services we offer students, and get in touch with someone who can help.

Find out more

Student Organizations

We host a range of programs and organizations for students from many backgrounds, interests, and identities.

students sat outside chatting
Find out more about student organizations

Faculty and Staff

Center for Teaching Innovation

The Center for Teaching Innovation offers workshops and training guides designed focused on the creation of inclusive classrooms.

Photo of a camera to illustrate innovation by Sam Moqadam on Unsplash
Find out more

Land Acknowledgement

Cornell University’s Ithaca campus Land Acknowledgement respects and recognizes indigenous peoples and the history and connection to their traditional lands and waters.

Wellbeing

Cornell Human Resources support the seven dimensions of wellbeing, including cultural wellbeing, with resources and programs.

Photo of person displaying wellbeing by MI PHAM on Unsplash
Explore wellbeing resources

Belonging at Cornell

belonging at cornell logo

Across the university, initiatives focused on diversity, equity and inclusion support our collective efforts to create a campus community where individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences can both contribute and thrive.


Find out more about belonging at Cornell.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council

The ILR School’s diversity, equity and inclusion council works with various constituencies across the school to foster collaborations that promote a more equitable and inclusive environment.

The co-chairs of the Council are Kate Griffith, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Diversity, and Faculty Development and Larry Mancuso, Assistant Dean for Human Resources.

News

Malcomb Wins Social Justice Award

The 2023 Cornell Graduate Diversity & Inclusion Awards winners include Claire Malcomb, an ILR Ph.D. student and ILR WIDE fellow in the Department of Organizational Behavior.
Claire Malcomb
Malcomb Wins Social Justice Award

Inaugural ILR WIDE Student Fellows Explore Workplace DEI

The ILR WIDE Student Fellows Program provides real world opportunities for a pair of ILRies.
A student walking down the steps outside Ives Hall
Inaugural ILR WIDE Student Fellows Explore Workplace DEI

ILR WIDE Launches

Cornell Chronicle logo
The ILR Workplace Inclusion and Diversity Education program, seeded by a gift from Tim Wentworth '82 and his wife, Robin Wentworth, will develop and deliver innovative teaching methods, conduct research and develop partnerships with leading organizations.
Tim Wentworth '82
ILR WIDE Launches

Junior Advocates for Peers with Disabilities

Reshaping the university’s approach to disability justice to make “ability-based accommodations more accessible” is part of Duncan Cady's work.
Duncan Cady '23
Junior Advocates for Peers with Disabilities

Diversity and Inclusion Council Update – January 2021

The ILR Diversity and Inclusion Council would like to provide a brief update on the school’s most recent efforts to build a more inclusive ILR community.
Abstract photo by jr Korpa on Unsplash
Diversity and Inclusion Council Update – January 2021

Diversity and Inclusion Council Update – September 2020

In July, Dean Colvin communicated a series of actions to promote racial justice within the ILR community. He asked for the Diversity and Inclusion Council to follow up with the community and keep you informed of our ongoing progress.
Abstract Photo by Brian Suh on Unsplash
Diversity and Inclusion Council Update – September 2020