Autism research has historically vilified, traumatized, mischaracterized, exploited, and excluded autistic people. Current work at Cornell perpetuates this harm, including the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Autism Research Program, Autism Replication, Validation, and Reproducibility Center, Department of Nutritional Sciences, and Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics. We must hold our academic community accountable for conducting ethical research that rectifies these issues and improves the lives of autistic people. Read more: https://www.cornellsun.com/article/2025/10/guest-room-fight-trump-with-responsible-research.

Update Oct. 8: one down, four to go. Within a week of opening this campaign, the 45 letters sent to the Autism Replication, Validation, and Reproducibility Center have resulted in the following response: "We recognize the importance of including individuals who identify as autistic and have ensured that their voices are represented on our planned board. We also welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your ideas and gather additional input on how we can improve the community advisory board." This is a great success! We have removed the AR2 center from the email list and will meet with them shortly; please keep sending letters to the remaining four centers/departments!