Several members of the Faculty Senate raised concerns about the University’s plans to update and expand its video surveillance system across the Cornell campus at a Thursday meeting. Interim President Michael Kotlikoff also addressed a range of issues concerning the University's financial and political challenges at the meeting.
David Honan, associate vice president of public safety, explained in a presentation to the Faculty Senate that the changes to the policy are intended to enhance campus security. Faculty senators voiced concerns about potential privacy violations and its impact on campus free speech.
“The use of physical security systems is important in maintaining adequate controls and ensuring the safety of the University,” Honan said. “These measures are designed to support the safe and continuous operation of the University, ensuring an open, safe, and welcoming campus while minimizing risks.”
Prof. Grant Farred, Africana studies, said his lack of trust in those who have control over the surveillance system, particularly for its potential impact on marginalized groups on campus.
“As a Black man, I don’t trust you,” Farred said. “I can’t afford to trust you, because my life depends upon it.”
Farred elaborated on his distrust, expressing concern for vulnerable students on campus who may be disproportionately affected by increased surveillance.
“I have students in my department who are on the run because of the surveillance the Cornell police have been involved in,” he said. “So when I tell you I don’t want any changes that will exclude the public and increase surveillance, I don’t know if I can do anything about it. The best I can do is register my deep suspicion about how you operate.”
Farred also raised questions about the potential for the surveillance system to infringe on First Amendment rights that protect freedom of speech.
Are you the arbiter of crossing the threshold from First Amendment speech into criminal activity?” Farred asked.
In response, Honan explained that the University is not the “arbiter” of speech — state law is. “It’s not a judgment of what the speech is or its content. If you violate what is written in New York State law or University policy, then we intervene. If you believe that officers have acted inappropriately, I would love to hear about it and work you into our process to handle complaints,” Honan said.
William Katt, a faculty member from the college of veterinary medicine, also raised concerns about accountability and oversight regarding the surveillance system, posing a question about how the University plans to ensure video and card access data security.
Honan responded, assuring the senate that Cornell’s access control system is strictly monitored.
“We purge people out of the system who don’t use [the system] regularly or don’t acknowledge our training and privacy expectations,” Honan said. “If any suspicious activity is detected, we revoke access until we have resolved the issue. We’ve acted on questionable access before, and we will continue to do so.”
Prof. Noah Tamarkin, anthropology and science & technology studies, raised a hypothetical scenario to further explore the potential risks of surveillance.
“In the event, for example, that laws in the U.S. dictated that all protest activity is criminal activity, would we be in a position to protect ourselves as a university community?” Tamarkin asked. “If the activity that we understand to be lawful is suddenly deemed unlawful, and we’re asked to hand over video surveillance, what would that scenario look like?”
Honan responded, assuring the Senate that current policies protect First Amendment rights. “As of right now, First Amendment speech is protected, and we don’t use these systems unless there’s a violation of New York State law.”
Kotlikoff then addressed faculty senators about the political and financial challenges currently facing Cornell, outlining the University's approach to navigate these issues.
Kotlikoff stressed that the University must continue investing in faculty recruitment and maintaining its focus on teaching, research and impact.
Kotlikoff highlighted concerns over a potential increase in the endowment tax, which could rise from 1.4 percent to as high as 14 or 15 percent, potentially costing the University $90 million annually.
"This would be an extraordinary financial challenge for us, but just one of many," Kotlikoff said.
Prof. Risa Lieberwitz, industrial and labor relations, raised concerns about the protection of international students, faculty and staff. Liberwitz referenced student protester Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student from Columbia University, who has a green card and was recently arrested by immigration officers due to his involvement in university protests.
“And so how do we make sure that we are not only protecting ourselves as an institution, but we're protecting everybody here?,” Lieberwitz said.
Kotlikoff acknowledged Lieberwitz’s concerns, explaining that while some community members may be anxious, it is important to not circulate rumors.
"I fully understand the anxiety of members of our community who feel that their immigration status may be threatened," Kotlikoff said. "I will say, however, that I would urge everyone to not raise that temperature, because I think there are a lot of circulating rumors, all of which or many of which have no basis in fact."
Michael Ferreira ’28 is a Sun contributor and can be reached at mm3447@cornell.edu.
