While it remains under scrutiny for the alleged gang rape of a sophomore at a party hosted by one of its fraternities, Cornell University is quietly making waves in another direction. Cornell just became the first Ivy League school to offer a Bachelor's Degree program to people in prison.
Cornell University is launching a Bachelor of Professional Studies program at Cayuga Correctional Facility in Moravia, NY, . Launching in August 2027, the program will focus on business, policy, and social science studies.
The first approved major is "Organizations, Markets and Society."
Inmates with an associate's degree or equivalent education can apply, and the program aims to break the cycle of crime and incarceration, per Cornell's announcement. The New York Post noted Cayuga has "housed notorious inmates, including transgender Big Apple serial killer Harvey Marcelin, an 88-year-old who spent 50 years behind bars until his release on parole in 2019."
Cornell's higher learning prison initiative has already taught over 1,000 inmates and received funding from the Manhattan DA's office. Per Cornell, the program offers a college-like experience with extracurricular activities and aims to create a "nonjudgmental atmosphere for learning."
Asked whether violent criminals can enroll, Cornell University told the Post, “the antecedent background and ongoing conduct of participants in our program require that strict standards be met.” They added, “We do this work in the pursuit of breaking the cycles of crime and incarceration- making a safe and more just society for all."
This comes as the university is enduring waves of protests over a situation in 2024 where seven men were accused of raping an incapacitated sorority girl, high on ketamine and liquor during a frat party, and Cornell did not pursue criminal charges. The Jane Doe victim is now seeking justice through a civil case.
