Ithaca New York
May 15th 1873
To the Coming man & woman
On the occasion of laying the corner stone of the Sage College for women of Cornell
University, I desire to say that the principle [sic] danger, and I say almost the only
danger I see in the future to be encountered by the friends of education, and by all
lovers of true liberty is that which may arise from sectarian strife.
From these halls, sectarianism must be forever excluded, all students must be
left free to worship God, as their concience [sic] shall dictate, and all persons
of any creed or all creeds must find free and easy access, and a hearty and equal welcome,
to the educational facilities possessed by the Cornell University.
Coeducation of the sexes and entire freedom from sectarian or political preferences is
the only proper and safe way for providing an education that shall meet the wants of the
future and carry out the founders idea of an Institution where "any person can find
instruction in any study." I herewith commit this great trust to your care.
Ezra Cornell |