Major Donor Calls for Cornell University President to Resign for Allegedly Promoting DEI

‘DEI should never have been allowed to corrupt an institution that earned its prestige for exemplary academics based on merit,’ Mr. Lindseth said.

A woman walks by a Cornell University sign on the Ivy League school's campus in Ithaca, N.Y., on Jan. 14, 2022. Ted Shaffrey /AP Photo

A major alumnus donor is pushing Cornell University to oust its president for allegedly promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that undermine education quality and academic freedom at the Ivy League school.

In a letter dated Jan. 23 to Cornell’s chairman Kraig Kayser and board of trustees, Jon A. Lindseth, a long-time donor and trustee emeritus, raised concerns over DEI policies and its “harmful effects” on the school and demanded Cornell fire president Martha Pollack and provost Michael Kotlikoff.