The closure of Wells College
opens the door to potential private development
that would overlook both the educational and community worthiness of this historic institution, but also the incalculable cultural significance of the land it occupies,
a former village of the Cayuga people of the Haudenosaunee,
destroyed by the Sullivan Campaign in 1779.
New York State's support of our vision,
by ensuring that the educational mission and values of the college can continue
(in this place),
while also addressing historical injustices through meaningful restitution
(of this place)
to the Cayuga people,
would be a groundbreaking demonstration to the world
that compassionate and cooperative leadership
which chooses to acknowledge and heal,
will create the most authentic and prosperous future.
