Diversity & Inclusion

Cornell University has a long commitment to diversity and inclusion, embodied in the principle of “any person, any study." The university’s “Open Doors, Open Hearts, Open Minds” initiative provided the foundation for recent efforts to address diversity and inclusion at Cornell. Cornell recognizes that research, knowledge production, and operational and academic pursuits benefit tremendously from the full engagement of individuals who have diverse points of view. 

Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) views diversity as a critical aspect of developing creative solutions to challenging healthcare problems, advancing cutting-edge biomedical research, and designing and implementing innovative teaching modalities in medical education.  

Diversity in our student body is a critical component of a rich learning environment, and necessary for meeting the needs of diverse communities in NYC and beyond. WCM has a small class size overall with many small group educational components. Because we seek a variety of voices in classrooms and small groups, our diverse student body and faculty ensure a comprehensive, enriching learning experience for all students.

With an exceptionally diverse patient population—clinical affiliates throughout NYC, rural NY and Houston, Texas—our student body must be reflective of our patients, and develop a range of cultural competencies. WCM is fully committed to accepting, enrolling and graduating diverse populations to serve the needs of our New York community and beyond.

Our admissions committee looks at diversity holistically, and we attempt to identify the best qualified applicants from diverse academic and personal backgrounds. The committee pays special attention to socio-economic diversity and distance traveled. Our generous financial aid program, based entirely on financial need, encourages the enrollment of first generation and low income students. 

WCM pursues full inclusion as a central component of our values and our approach to each other and to the world around us. We strive to ensure an inclusive community that enables all students to thrive, and that values each individual's unique contribution. Inclusion enables us to promote a standard of tolerance and responsible self-conduct among all students and faculty that reflects the highest standards of the medical profession in caring for all patients, irrespective of ethnicity, culture, nationality, religion, sexual orientation or disability. 

No person shall be denied admission to any educational program or activity or be denied employment on the basis of any legally prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or veteran status. Cornell University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

For more information, please refer to the WCM Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Cornell University Equal Education & Employment Opportunity Statement