Op-Ed
Respecting History
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Walking Backwards
April 17, 2007 - 11:00pmSince my tenure as a Sun columnist and an undergraduate student is rapidly approaching its conclusion, I’ve been pondering what originally interested in me in writing for the Cornell community. What did I have that was worth saying and why would anyone bother reading it? And more importantly, did I accomplish what I originally set out to accomplish with my column?
One of my primary goals in writing for The Sun has been to inform more Cornellians about this university’s incredibly unique past. I feel very strongly that students should learn and respect the history of their surroundings, whether at Cornell or elsewhere. Knowledge of history gives insight into the present and helps inform our decisions based on past successes or failures. If nothing else, hopefully my columns have taught you to appreciate the campus around you a little bit more. 
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However, with only one column remaining, I’ve failed to clear up some common Cornell misconceptions. Rumors about Cornell “facts” are easily spread across campus, and it’s my responsibility (and opportunity) to set the record straight. If there’s one thing that bothers me more than a lack of interest in history, it’s a blatant disregard for it. Propagating mistruths about the past is an abuse of history and an insult to those who made it. Today’s column is my last effort to refute some dastardly falsehoods that have been perpetuated over the years.
State School vs. Statutory College
Despite what our opposition may chant at hockey games, Cornell University is not a “state school,” and neither are its specific colleges affiliated with New York State. Cornell has four statutory, or contract, colleges. They have a contract with the State University of New York system, but they’re still part of a private university. The contract colleges serve educational needs of the state and receive state funding, but SUNY has little control over admissions or academic standards. Legally, the contract colleges remain private, not public, entities. Of course, the entire state vs. statutory discussion inappropriately insults actual state schools, which are often excellent universities.
Ivy Athletics
No, the Ivy League has not been around since Cornell’s founding. In fact, it is nothing more than an athletic conference founded in 1954. The presidents of the eight schools signed the Ivy Group Agreement to set academic, financial and athletic standards for their football teams. The agreement prohibited athletic scholarships, guaranteeing that athletes are admitted under the same academic standards as other students. Although the term “Ivy League” has grown to have rather elitist connotations, it’s really all about sports.
Original a Cappella
Ever see a poster for The Class Notes a cappella ensemble and notice how it says “Cornell’s Original Coed A Cappella Group”? Lies! It may be the oldest coed a cappella group currently in existence, but it’s certainly not the original one. The Cornellaires were the first coed group on campus, lasting from the 1950s through the 1960s.
Not a Chance
An organization known as Chancery was founded only a few years ago, but has strangely chosen 1889 as a founding date and decided to call itself “Cornell’s oldest society.” Chancery supposedly selects those who “confront controversies with the University,” including many Student Assembly and Class Council members. While I support any organization that works towards the benefit of Cornell, this group purposefully misrepresents history. It was actually founded by a Class of 2005 alumnus during his years on the Hill. Although there was indeed a group known as Chancery founded in 1889, it had an entirely different purpose, existing as an honorary for law students, much like Phi Beta Kappa exists today for the Arts College. The original Chancery folded around 1910 when the law school became a graduate college. The claims of the new group are comparable to creating a kazoo band, calling it The Beatles and taking credit for “Hey Jude.”
Poor Communication
As a communication major, I simply must include this frequent faux-pas. It’s “communication,” not “communications.” Singular, not plural. The plural tends to imply a more broadcasting-focused approach, while the singular appropriately refers to a theory-centered department.
Freedom AND Responsibility
Despite what most Cornell presidential speeches will have you believe, the so-called “Cornell Tradition” is not “freedom with responsibility.” It’s “and,” not “with.” Professor and historian Carl Becker’s statement is perhaps one of the most misquoted and misapplied phrases in Cornell’s history. Sadly, even the new Carl Becker House on West Campus has the incorrect quote etched in stone at its entrance.
Student-Run Radio
Since its founding last year, Slope Radio has consistently referred to itself as Cornell’s “first all-student produced radio station.” Perhaps they forgot about WVBR-FM. Founded in 1935, WVBR is owned by the Cornell Radio Guild, which is composed entirely of students. The station was officially affiliated with Cornell for many years, and even broadcasted from Willard Straight Hall before breaking off as an independent entity. Some confusion may arise because the students now hire community members as DJs for some programs. However, saying that WVBR isn’t student-run is equivalent to saying that The Cornell Daily Sun isn’t student-run. Both organizations have non-student board and staff members.
Arts Quad Statues
No, Ezra and A.D. White do not actually stand up, walk across the Arts Quad and shake hands when a virgin walks by at midnight. Or do they …?
Unfortunately, there are countless other lies and misconceptions that are told about Cornell University, but there’s not enough space to include them all here. I ask all Cornellians of integrity to learn the facts, stop spreading falsehoods and get their stories straight.
Corey Earle is a senior in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He can be reached at cre8@cornell.edu. Walking Backwards appears alternate Wednesdays.