Cornell University faces intense scrutiny for refusing to cancel a performance by singer Kehlani, known for anti-Israel statements, even as the school remains under a federal antisemitism investigation that has frozen $1 billion in funding.
At a Glance
- Cornell University invited Kehlani to perform at Slope Day despite her history of controversial anti-Israel statements
- University officials claim they were unaware of her views when booking but now say it’s “too late” to find a replacement
- The decision comes while Cornell is under a federal antisemitism investigation with $1 billion in federal funding frozen
- Students have launched a petition and fundraiser to organize a counter-event in protest
- The university added a contract clause prohibiting political statements during Kehlani’s performance
University Claims Ignorance About Performer’s Views
Cornell University administrators are under fire for their decision to proceed with a performance by R&B singer Kehlani at the school’s annual Slope Day celebration on May 7, despite widespread knowledge of the artist’s controversial statements about Israel. University President Michael Kotlikoff’s defense that officials were unaware of her political views until three weeks ago has drawn significant criticism from students and faculty.
“We found out about the social media of this performer roughly three weeks ago. It’s too late to secure another performer that will be acceptable or appropriate for Slope Day,” Kotlikoff stated, according to university communications reported by multiple sources.
Critics have pointed out that Kehlani’s statements against Israel and Zionism are readily available through basic online searches, raising questions about the administration’s vetting process. The singer has shared posts supporting violence against Israel, released a video containing antisemitic content, and has been accused of spreading misinformation about Israeli military actions while refusing to condemn Hamas following the October 7 attacks.
Federal Investigation and Student Backlash
The controversy unfolds against a particularly sensitive backdrop. Cornell is currently under investigation for antisemitism, and former President Donald Trump froze approximately $1 billion in federal funding to the university as part of a civil rights probe into antisemitic discrimination on campus. The school has already experienced anti-Israel protests and threats against Jewish students in the past year.
“It’s honestly laughable that they claim they were unaware of her glorification of violence, endorsement of an intifada, or demonization of Jews,” said Amanda Silberstein, a student critic of the decision quoted in various reports about the controversy.
In response to the administration’s refusal to cancel the performance, the student group Cornellians for Israel has launched both a petition and a GoFundMe campaign aimed at either replacing Kehlani or organizing an alternative concert for students who object to attending her performance. This growing movement represents significant discomfort among portions of the student body with the administration’s handling of the situation.
Administration’s Response and Contract Modifications
Rather than cancel the performance, Cornell officials have attempted to mitigate potential controversy by modifying Kehlani’s contract. Kotlikoff revealed that the university added language explicitly prohibiting any political statements during the performance, with a financial penalty if this agreement is violated.
“We also altered that contract to make it clear that if there are any political events at the performance, there is full forfeit of the whole compensation. We assured ourselves to the extent [possible] that this will be a successful event … without politics,” Kotlikoff explained in his defense of the decision to proceed with the scheduled performance.
Faculty members have reportedly expressed disgust with the situation, pointing to what they describe as a toxic campus culture regarding antisemitism and a lack of meaningful administrative action. Jewish advocacy groups, including StopAntisemitism, have publicly urged Cornell to reconsider its position and cancel Kehlani’s appearance entirely rather than attempting to restrict her speech during the event.
Broader Implications for Campus Climate
The controversy has highlighted questions about how universities handle political speech and the balance between artistic expression and campus community values. Critics have argued that Cornell would likely have responded differently if a performer had made similarly controversial statements about other marginalized groups, suggesting inconsistent standards in addressing potentially harmful rhetoric.
“In a sign of mounting backlash, members of the student group Cornellians for Israel have launched a petition and GoFundMe drive demanding that the school replace Kehlani with another performer — or they will boycott the event and select their own entertainer to headline a unifying counter-concert on the Ithaca campus,” reported The New York Post in its coverage of the escalating situation.
As Slope Day approaches, the division among students continues to grow, with many Jewish students reporting feeling increasingly marginalized and unsafe on campus. The administration’s handling of this controversy may have lasting implications for Cornell’s campus climate and its ongoing efforts to address allegations of antisemitism amid federal scrutiny.
