Statement by Interim President Hunter R. Rawlings III

Sept. 30, 2016

Dear Cornell Community:

I am writing to update you on Wednesday night’s stabbing incident that occurred on Stewart Avenue, in close proximity to campus.

The Ithaca Police Department (IPD) has determined that the incident was not a random act of violence, but that the victim and the suspects knew each other. None appears to have connections to Cornell and nothing revealed about this recent incident suggests that it is related in any way to the August 28 stabbing death of Ithaca College student Anthony Nazaire. IPD has asked that members of the community share any information that may be of help as they continue to investigate both cases. 

While there is no current threat to campus safety, we are enhancing campus safety measures through extra uniformed Cornell University Police Department (CUPD) patrols and increased campus Blue Light Escort teams, with decreased wait times for the service.  

In addition, there are steps all of us can take to increase our safety and the safety of others. I am joining with CUPD Chief Kathy Zoner in encouraging all students to further educate themselves on ways to stay safe during an emergency situation. The Cornell University Emergency Action Guide is an excellent resource on steps to take during an emergency. I also urge all members of the Cornell community to sign up for CornellALERT, which sends emergency notifications to your cell phones.

Safety is our top priority as violence has no place on or near our campus. Members of the administration, including CUPD and Gannett Health services, remain actively engaged to promote the safety and well-being of all.

Yours Sincerely, 

Hunter R. Rawlings III
Interim President