Student Assembly

Dear Vincent,

Thank you for forwarding Resolution 2: Conflict-Free Campus Resolution. This resolution raises important and complex issues that are not easy for us to address effectively. It is apparent that the troubles in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are horrific; what is not clear, in my opinion, is the role that minerals play in that conflict.

Because Cornell has just hired a new Chief Information Officer, Ted Dodds, and a new Chief Investment Officer, Michael Abbott, I want to defer any action on this resolution until I have the benefit of their direct counsel. Mr. Dodds will need to inform me about the practical implications of what you request vis a vis our technology, as we have almost 150 different suppliers on campus, with more than 100 in play at any time. Mr. Abbott will need to review this resolution in light of our existing trustee policy and procedures regarding University investments and social concerns.

I also am reaching out to faculty on campus who might be in a position to inform our thinking on this matter and I will ask them to meet, review the resolution and give me their best advice. Until that can happen, which will be next semester, I will defer any action.

Thus I cannot accept Resolution 2 at this time.

Sincerely,

David Skorton