Cornell University is under flames after inviting R& B designer Kehlani to do on campus in May, a choice that has sparked outrage from some individuals and advocacy groups who accuse the song of promoting racist views, according to the New York Post.
Kehlani, a multi-Grammy-nominated actor, has faced criticism for sharing a music videos that begins with the word “Long live the Intifada, ” which critics argue encourages violence against Israelis and Jews. She has even reportedly posted a diagram omitting Israel and has not formally condemned Hamas following the October 7, 2023 terror attacks.
The controversy comes at a tense time for Cornell, which is currently facing a freeze on$ 1 billion in federal funding. The Trump administration imposed the ice as part of a legal right probe into alleged racist discrimination and abuse on campus.
Amanda Silberstein, chairman of the Chabad Center at Cornell and a junior at the university, voiced her despair, stating, “Kehlani is n’t only an actor with controversial views — she is someone who has publicly glorified violence against Jews and consistently promoted dangerous, racist language that directly threatens our society. ” Silberstein argued that the university’s decision to sponsor Kehlani undermines its stated dedication to inclusion and pupil safety, calling the walk “deeply isolating ” for Israeli students.
“By inviting someone with such a profoundly disturbing history of hatred to title one of our most high-profile school activities, Cornell is sending a text that Israeli safety and wellbeing are transferable, ” she said.
StopAntisemitism, an advocacy group, likewise condemned Cornell’s offer, referencing Kehlani’s social media activity and her “Next 2 U” music videos, which they claim glorifies murder by the Israeli team Hamas. The firm accused Kehlani of supporting Hamas and using aggressive language against Israel and its people.
Liora Rez, the leader of StopAntisemitism, criticized Cornell for “doubling down ” by selecting Kehlani as the star for a major college function. Rez questioned why Jewish individuals are not afforded the same privileges as another marginalized groups on campus.
In response to the criticism, Cornell University defended the determination, explaining that Kehlani was chosen by a student-run table based on a ballot of student choices. A school director clarified that Kehlani’s individual opinions do not reflect the establishment, and that the artist is constitutionally required to comply with Cornell’s anti-discrimination policies, which ban social statements during the music. Any violation, the university said, would result in a breach of contract and forfeiture of payment.
Kehlani’s representatives reportedly did not respond to requests for comment. The campus has recently seen several anti-Israel protests and incidents, including threats against Jewish students —one of which reportedly resulted in a student pleading guilty to making such threats online.
