Student Assembly

Whereas, gossip websites such as CollegeACB.com are being used to defame and slander Cornell students and Cornell student groups; and

Whereas, gossip websites such as CollegeACB.com are profiting off of their ability to induce students to attack one another; and

Whereas, students, as citizens of the Cornell community, feel a responsibility to protect each other from libel, defamation, and cyber bullying; and

Whereas, the use of gossip websites such as CollegeACB.com runs contrary to Cornell student values; and

Whereas, the Student Assembly is the only representative body of the Cornell University undergraduate community; and

Whereas, the Student Assembly strives to be a place where Cornell students can come together, and where no one gets left behind; and

Whereas, a student boycott on accessing and posting on CollegeACB.com and similar sites would reflect a communal commitment to protect each other from the public and libelous comments that the site inspires.

Whereas, the more draconian measure of entirely prohibiting the use of CollegeACB.com and similar sites on Cornell’s server would be unlikely to have legislative effect, as it is contrary to University Policy 5.1: Responsible Use of Electronic Communications, which states:

Caution: Having open access to network-based services implies some risk. In a community of diverse cultures, values, and sensitivities, the university cannot protect individuals against the existence or receipt of material that may be offensive to them.

The university cherishes the diversity of values and perspectives endemic in an academic institution and so is respectful of freedom of expression. The university does not condone censorship, nor does it endorse the inspection of electronic files other than on an exceptional basis (i.e., if required to ensure the integrity, security, or effective operation of university systems).

Be it therefore resolved, that the Student Assembly calls upon all students to boycott CollegeACB.com and any similar site that induces students to engage in defamatory gossip, and to refrain from accessing and posting on these websites in order to live up to our values as citizens of the Cornell community.

Respectfully submitted,

Andrew Brokman ‘11
At-Large Representative