On affirmative action:
"The benefits of affirmative action accrue not simply to the individuals for whom opportunities are expanded, but to the entire university community, which derives much of its vitality from the perspectives of different cultures, races and individual points of view. While neither Cornell nor America has yet realized the full potential of an ecumenical society, I continue to believe that such a society is our best hope for mobilizing the skills and realizing the potential of all our people. Universities like Cornell must take leadership in developing such a society. For all these reasons, I am committed to maintaining an assertive policy of affirmative action at Cornell." -- Statement on affirmative action issued at Cornell in September 1995
On sexual harassment:
"Every member of the faculty and academic staff, every employee, and every student should understand that incidents of sexual harassment will not be tolerated at Cornell University. Sexual harassment is uncivil behavior. It expresses disrespect. It abuses authority. It exploits and undermines relationships based on trust. It interferes with learning and productive work. In short, it is a breach of community. Moreover, depending on the circumstances, it violates our Campus Code of Conduct, the President's Statement on Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity, the Board of Trustees Policy on Equal Educational and Employment Opportunity and federal, state, and locals laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment based upon sex." -- Statement on sexual harassment issued at Cornell in July 1995
On the university's service to the state:
"Now the world has changed; our nation has changed; universities need to offer a different set of public services for a different time. We must prepare for a more integrated mission, one that combines service with teaching and scholarship in ways that are engaged with society's needs and integrated into society's purposes." -- Speech to the President's Forum on Public Service, March 1993
On the university as an engine for economic development:
"When we fulfill our primary missions exceptionally well, vigorous economic development follows. We focus our efforts on what we do best...helping Iowans appreciate the arts, understand other cultures, learn professions, and enjoy healthier lives. All across the United States, the nation's best research universities have become leading forces in the economic development of their states and regions, not because economic stimulus is their goal, but because they fulfill three traditional missions -- teaching, research, and service -- at very high levels of excellence." -- Column in the Des Moines Register, August 1994
On being a university president:
"There are always things you feel you can improve, but I think we've developed a means of coping with difficulties. This has been a very vibrant time. I've learned that you have to be nimble in this job. Sometimes I wake up in the morning and learn what I'm going to do that day after reading the daily newspaper." -- President's report, August 1993
On human rights:
"We can't leave everything to institutional mechanisms. We must constantly go back where it all begins, to the human heart, and take individual responsibility for fostering a diverse community."
"It is no coincidence that the most academically distinguished universities in the country are, in general, the most diverse; diversity goes hand in hand with academic excellence. A more diverse community offers a richer educational experience for all of our students. . . ." -- Both from a speech commemorating the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, 1994
On the public university's image:
"The public university of the late 20th century has become a sprawling megalopolis, in which thousands of individuals relentlessly pursue their own separate research and career agendas. . . . If we spend less time fretting about ourselves, our funding and perks and privileges, and more time thinking creatively about what we can do for a nation that needs us, we will accomplish more of lasting value -- and our public image will take care of itself." -- The Chronicle of Higher Education, May 1993
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