Cornell University has canceled an upcoming performance by R&B artist Kehlani, originally slated to take place during the school's Slope Day celebration on May 7, following allegations of antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiments expressed by the performer. The university's president, Michael Kotlikoff, made the announcement earlier this week, stating that Kehlani’s involvement had introduced division and discord within the campus community.
In an open letter, Kotlikoff expressed that he had received significant feedback from students, raising "grave concerns" about the decision to host an artist who has been accused of promoting divisive views. He emphasized that the essence of Slope Day is to unify the community, asserting that the invitation to Kehlani was not aligned with that purpose. Kotlikoff stated, “While any artist has the right in our country to express hateful views, Slope Day is about uniting our community, not dividing it.”
Kehlani has been an outspoken supporter of Palestinian rights, a stance that is evident in her artistic choices. For instance, in the music video for her song "Next 2 U," she is seen performing in front of a Palestinian flag while the video begins with the phrase "long live the intifada." The term "intifada," which translates to "uprising" or "resistance" in Arabic, is viewed by some as a potential call for violence against Jewish people, further complicating her public persona amid rising tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The cancellation of Kehlani's performance at Cornell comes at a time when universities across the United States are grappling with increased campus tensions fueled by recent events in Gaza. Many institutions are trying to respond to escalating pro-Palestinian demonstrations while facing accusations that instances of antisemitism on campus are not adequately addressed. In a related move, the Trump administration announced this month the freezing of over $1 billion in federal funding for Cornell as they investigate alleged civil rights violations, highlighting the broader consequences of the heated political climate.
In his communication, Kotlikoff clarified that his decision was made after consulting with event organizers and gathering input from various students. He acknowledged that his choice would provoke both support and criticism, but asserted it was crucial for maintaining community integrity and safety during the high-profile event which attracts attention from the entire campus.
This situation underscores the complexities many universities face as they seek to balance freedom of expression with the need to foster an inclusive and safe environment for all members of their communities. As public discourse becomes increasingly polarized, events like Slope Day represent a microcosm of larger societal debates that continue to unfold across the nation.
