Diversity Equity and Inclusion

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

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.

The ILR School convenes a council on the topic of diversity and inclusion. The council meets quarterly to solicit feedback from the ILR community, to encourage actions which address issues of diversity and inclusion, and ensures the school continues to make progress in this area.

Council members

• Kati (Kate) Griffith, Senior Associate Dean for Academics (co-chair)
• Lawrence (Larry) Mancuso, Assistant Dean for Human Resources 
• Angela Canfield, Director of Undergraduate Admissions
• Christine Hess, Worker Institute Administrative Manager
• Kara Lombardi, Assistant Dean for Student Experience and Wellbeing
• Melody Ayani, Graduate student
• Martina Kushwaha, DEI Council Program Assistant
• Wendy Strobel Gower, Program Director, Inclusive Workplaces, YTI
• Pam Tolbert, Lois S. Gray Professor of Industrial and Labor Relations and the Social Sciences
• Nellie Brown, Director, Workplace Health & Safety Programs

If you want to get involved, contact one of the council members or email: ILRDICouncil@cornell.edu.