Dear Cornellians and specifically our HEC family,

In light of the ongoing injustices plaguing our country, HEC would like to express our continued support and inclusion toward our HEC family, Black community, all backgrounds, races, cultures, and ethnicities. HEC stands against racism, and we as an organization are dedicated to ensuring that we are fostering a more diverse and inclusive community on Cornell's campus. We will start open dialogues discussing allyship and conversing on how to create meaningful impact in our conference space, pushing for an environment where bias and racism, whether intentional or not, are not tolerated and our stakeholders are provided the tools to be informed and active citizens. We encourage you to start learning, understanding and educating others on ways to break the cycle of systemic racism. HEC advocates that Black lives Do Matter and  we stand with our community in solidarity, working to improve our future and unlearn our biases. 

Yours in Service,

The 96th Annual Hotel Ezra Cornell Board of Directors

Note: This statement's title has been revised. It was initially published with a different title - that title was triggering. We have learned from our mistakes, and it has been changed. We have, and continue to, stand in solidarity and want to protect our Black community, especially our students.

Resources to learn more about diversity and inclusion efforts and initiatives at Cornell:

National Society of Minorities in Hospitality

"Seeks to promote hospitality education, to foster professional advancement for minorities, and to create awareness of minority diversity in the hospitality industry. The Cornell chapter serves as a mechanism to meet the needs of minority students of African, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American descent in the school."

Hotel School Office of Diversity and Inclusion

"Provides students with a comprehensive support system as part of a fully welcoming community. We provide an infrastructure of support to students throughout their academic and social experiences at the Hotel and Cornell. Our efforts are supported by the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business's diversity and inclusion mission to create an engaged community."

Diversity & Inclusion Business Advisory Council

"Seeks to equalize access to opportunities by developing initiatives that open additional channels of learning and give student leaders the tools needed to effectively address these issues."

Inclusive Excellence Academy

"Offers programs designed to advance an inclusive educational environment and workplace. The IEA features customized seminars designed for participants at all stages of their understanding of diversity, inclusion, and belonging."

Bias Reporting at Cornell

"Cornell University has a program to track bias that is occurring on all campuses in an effort to be proactive in creating an inclusive climate for all. The Department of Inclusion and Workforce Diversity is responsible for collecting and tracking all reported bias activity that occurs at Cornell University that could potentially impact our commitment to diversity and inclusion, including all reports made by faculty, staff, students, and visitors to campus."