Male Attempts to Steal Olin Laptop, Flees to Clock Tower

A young male was reportedly seen stealing a laptop in Olin Library before running from the building at approximately 5:35 p.m. Tuesday. Several people pursued him, and a witness at the scene shouted that he had stolen a laptop. Another witness was heard yelling, “He has a knife!”
After sprinting out of Olin Library, the man ran into the entrance of the McGraw clock tower. Approximately two minutes after entering, blocked from leaving, the man retreated further up the tower. Cornell University Police arrived at the scene at 5:40 p.m. and escorted the man from the building at approximately 5:55 p.m. Police took statements from several witnesses at the scene.

Garrett Named UVa’s Distinguished Alumna

In April, Garrett will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award and speak at UVa. The award, which was established in 1991, aims to “honor alumnae whose contributions at the highest level have brought about progress in a wide range of fields,” according to UVa.

Kappa Sigma Chapter Suspension Lifted After Hazing Allegations

Cornell’s chapter of the Kappa Sigma fraternity was lifted from suspension Thursday after the chapter was suspended for allegations of hazing earlier this month. The University was notified of the national organization’s decision Thursday morning, according to Travis Apgar, senior associate dean of students, who oversees the University’s Fraternity and Sorority Life. While the suspension has been lifted, the chapter will still take internal action regarding individuals involved in the hazing allegations and the claims will still be put to the Cornell Greek Judicial Board, according to Apgar. During the nearly three-week suspension that began on Nov. 13, Cornell’s Kappa Sigma chapter was to “cease all operations” and also remain alcohol free while the national Kappa Sigma organization investigated the allegations.

Students at Ithaca College Vote ‘No Confidence’ in President

Ithaca College students have voted “no confidence” in President Tom Rochon, with 71.75 percent of the over 3,700 students who voted expressing no confidence, according to The Ithacan. The vote of no confidence comes after I.C. was rocked this semester by student and faculty protests that demanded Rochon step down due to his alleged mishandling of several race related incidents on campus. Following events that included a Oct. 8 college panel, where two I.C. alumni referred to a black alumna as “the savage,” and a “Preps & Crooks” themed party hosted by the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, students accused Rochon of not responding appropriately. Student organization POC@IC organized numerous rallies and protests in response to the incidents, even storming the stage at a public meeting, where Rochon was in attendance.

All Cornellians in Paris Declared Safe; Garrett Condemns Attacks

Following a series of terrorist attacks in Paris Friday, the University confirmed Saturday that all known Cornellians currently working or studying in Paris are safe. The attacks, which left at least 129 dead, were part of a plot carried out by the Islamic State that included a mass shooting, hostage taking and several explosions, according to French officials. Approximately 20 students and staff members were in Paris at the time of the bombings, according to Lex Enrico Santí, the University’s coordinator for travel and safety. A double suicide bombing also occurred in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, killing 43 people. However, no Cornellians were known to be in Beirut at the time, Santí said. In response to the attacks, President Elizabeth Garrett released a statement Saturday decrying the acts of terrorism.