Response to Annunciation Catholic Church Shooting
For Immediate Release
The Cornell Democrats are devastated to learn about the horrifying shooting that took place yesterday morning in Minneapolis. In particular, the death of two students is heartbreaking. Our hearts go out to the students, their families, staff, and all those affected at Annunciation Catholic School and to the survivors of this abhorrent violence.
It is the duty of every society to protect its people and its children. Today, our government has failed our children, just as it has failed them consistently over the past twenty-six years. After each gut-wrenching display of gun violence in America, our political representatives claim to be saddened. They claim to feel the pain of our communities, of our schools, and of our students. They claim to know the horror felt by our children, who subconsciously map out exit routes in every classroom they sit in. Despite these claims, our Congress has repeatedly blocked common-sense gun control measures. Because of this inaction, two innocent children died today. Because of this inaction, over 200 school children and teachers have died in school shootings in the past. This inaction must end, or this violence will continue to plague our society. America must act to get guns off our streets and protect our communities.
As we think about the victims, their families, and their community, it is not enough to simply offer thoughts and prayers. We must continue to hold our leaders accountable and demand changes to make such a tragedy impossible.
Signed,
The Executive Board of the Cornell Democrats
08/28/25
Response to Trump’s Assault on Academic Freedom
For Immediate Release
On February 14, 2025, the Department of Education ordered all educational institutions to terminate all diversity initiatives. These initiatives are designed to promote a diverse and equitable environment for all students and continue decades of hard work to root out inequality in our society.
The letter from Acting Assistant Secretary, Craig Trainor, is another example of the Trump administration’s assault on decades of progress on the landmark issue of civil rights. The Cornell Democrats unequivocally and strongly condemn this new policy. We call on the Cornell administration to not comply with it, which puts our students at risk and denigrates campus culture. We also call on Congressional Democrats to lead the charge against the draconian and regressive policies of the Trump administration.
Signed,
The Executive Board of the Cornell Democrats
02/18/2025
2024 Election
For Immediate Release
The Cornell Democrats are disheartened by the election results. The next four years will be difficult, but we will mobilize and champion our evolving values. The Democratic Party must recognize the hardships that people across the country face. Despite this setback in our journey towards a brighter and fairer America, we must fight for our future and chart a new course for our party. Now, we must approach our fight with renewed vigor and dedication.
However, we must recognize the many victories that we achieved. New York’s Proposition 1 passed by an overwhelming margin, with over 4 million voters affirming their support for reproductive equal rights. While the nation shifted rightward, Tompkins County kept its 2020 margins; we re-elected Lea Webb to the State Senate, and succeeded in flipping NY-19, sending Josh Riley to Congress. These victories show the value of organizing and getting out the vote. The Cornell Democrats remain committed to fighting for the principles of social, political, and economic justice, and equality in Upstate New York & across the country.
We would like to thank the Biden-Harris administration for their extraordinary work, especially with mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening our economy, and rebuilding our public infrastructure. With these historical achievements in mind, we wholeheartedly supported Vice President Kamala Harris’ bid for the presidency. With only 107 days to present her case to the American people, she made history as the first Black woman to get her party’s nomination for the presidency. Vice President Harris has inspired a new generation of voters to take action and make their voices heard.
November 5th is a new beginning for the Democratic party; we must mobilize for those affected by Project 2025. The Cornell Democrats are dedicated to organizing for systemic change, preserving American democracy, and cultivating a government that works for The People.
2020 NY-23 Election
As we turn the page to the year 2020, the Cornell Democrats remain committed to help elect Democrats nationwide, starting with our own backyard. Representative Tom Reed (R NY-23) was one of the very first congressional supporters of Donald Trump's candidacy. He has been named to Trump's transition team and has consistently acted as a vocal advocate for policies that include cutting taxes for large corporations, relaxing restrictions on firearms, and gutting aspects of Obamacare, as well as pushing for the defunding of Planned Parenthood.
We proudly supported Tracy Mitrano for New York's 23rd Congressional District. As a former Cornell educator and Director of Information Technology Policy from 2001 to 2014, we were thrilled to contribute to her campaign. As students, we value investing in education without overwhelming young people with debt. Tracy Mitrano’s campaign sought to provide interest-free loans for students nationwide, a vital step toward accessible and affordable higher education. We also think it is crucial to have a representative in Congress who understands cybersecurity and internet policy.