Cornell University’s Employee Assembly is aware and concerned about issues tied to mental health challenges and related issues, not only among campus staff, students and faculty, but in the communities that surround us, where staff, faculty and thousands of students live. The deaths of six students by suicide this past academic year, three of whom jumped off campus-area bridges, in addition to other attempted suicides, which included at least two non-Cornellians, serve as sad reminders that sometimes a community has to sacrifice for the common good.

In that light, the Employee Assembly supports this language from a report issued by nationally recognized consultants on suicides and bridges. The consultants were asked for their professional opinions on both immediate and intermediate-term response to the aforementioned tragic incidents on or near campus. Their views are shared by Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service of Tompkins County and other campus and community entities.

From the consultants’ report:

“It is one thing for us to make a recommendation; it is another for Ithaca and Cornell to create an effective community discussion that can forge a common approach to saving lives. Truly, everyone is ‘in this together.’ Acknowledging the glare from widespread coverage in the national media and the unfortunate notoriety of this year’s deaths, permanent barriers must be in place to address heightened suicide risk and perceptions that will not be undone, or at a minimum, will not change for many years. The contagion risk that arose this year will not soon abate.

“It is our recommendation that temporary standards of effectiveness remain in place, until permanent safety measures can be built.”

The Employee Assembly cherishes the scenic views that are part of our campus and communities, which extend to countless other venues beyond bridges. We recognize, too, that along with strategies for the bridges is the need for enhanced and related resources, programming and communications on the Cornell University campus, including “notice and respond” and consistent access for all who seek advice and services. As always, CU’s Employee Assembly stands ready and willing to assist in staff outreach regarding resources, programs, and related developments, on this or any issue of common university interest.

Passed by the Cornell University Employee Assembly September 1, 2010