University Declines Gynecologist Proposal

“Based on the advanced nature of those health concerns, it is best for those patients to be seen and treated at the specialist’s office,” Pollack wrote.

Many S.A. members expressed frustration with Pollack’s lack of support for funding to hire a gynecologist for Cornell Health. Veronica Lewis ’25, vice president of external affairs and School of Hotel Administration representative for the S.A., said she was shocked by the statement, adding that she believes it depicts a systemic issue with Cornell’s bureaucracy.

“I think that [Pollack’s lack of support] shows how archaic the leadership is, because we have both faculty and students in full support of [funding a gynecologist on campus], something that honestly should have been implemented over a decade ago, [yet] Pollack is [not supporting the resolution],” Lewis said. “I think we should rethink who is making decisions and who was allowed to implement those decisions.”

Pedro Da Silveira ’25, vice president of internal operations and College of Engineering representative for the S.A., echoed Lewis’s sentiment, noting his surprise at Pollack’s refusal of Resolution 15 since, he said, the University generally aims to present an image of equality and progress.

“The University administration likes doing constructive things that make them look good,” Da Silveira said. “So, it doesn’t make any sense for them to drag their feet on directly improving and protecting women’s health on campus… especially when everyone is showing broad support for this.”

However, Amisha Chowdhury ’23, student advocate of the S.A. and co-sponsor of Resolution 15, wrote in a statement to The Sun that Pollack’s email did not surprise her, because she has noticed a pattern in Cornell administration’s shutting down students’ requests for more resources and support.

Chowdhury particularly referred to the University’s failure to address student organizers’ requests for more support for first-generation and low-income students and resources for reproductive healthcare, consent training and diversity and inclusion initiatives.

“This past year alone, student organizers have voiced our concerns to administration for various campus issues,” Chowdhury wrote. “Administration is well aware of the