Cornell University recently rescinded an invitation to pop artist Kehlani due to controversy over her views.
Cornell University's decision to cancel Kehlani's slated performance on Slope Day was driven by backlash from her expressed anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiments, New York Post reported.
The university's president, Michael Kotlikoff, announced the cancellation on Wednesday after a significant outcry from the community and student groups. Initially, those responsible for arranging the event were reportedly unaware of Kehlani’s controversial views.
Concerns were escalated when Kehlani’s past actions, including her endorsement of controversial stances on political issues, came to light. Specifically, her past includes a music video which opens with "Long live the Intifada," a post displaying a map that omits Israel, and a failure to denounce Hamas following attacks on October 7, 2023.
Campus group Cornellians for Israel and other concerned community members voiced substantial resistance. They proposed a boycott and planned an alternative event to counter the singer’s appearance.
President Michael Kotlikoff made a statement stressing the importance of unity in university gatherings. “Unfortunately, although it was not the intention, the selection of Kehlani as this year’s headliner has injected division and discord into Slope Day,” he explained.
Kotlikoff further emphasized, "While any artist has the right in our country to express hateful views, Slope Day is about uniting our community, not dividing it."
External groups like StopAntisemitism also responded to the controversy. Its founder, Liora Rez, criticized the university’s oversight regarding this matter. She argued that more careful vetting should be applied to prevent such situations.
For context regarding Kehlani’s withdrawal, here is a detailed comment from Liora Rez:
The fiasco surrounding Kehlani’s performance at Cornell is a direct result of this failure — and one that could have been entirely avoided with proper oversight and accountability.
Not everyone agreed with the decision to cancel. Cornell law professor William Jacobson noted that the best response to offensive speech is usually more speech, not less. However, he acknowledged the exceptional nature of this case due to its potential impact on the event's harmonious purpose.
William Jacobson elaborated on the university's difficult position. “My preference is to answer toxic speech with more speech, not cancellation, but in this circumstance where the performer was at odds with the entire purpose of the event and never should have been selected, I’m not sure the school had much choice,” he noted. He also suggested that Kehlani’s supporters should organize their events rather than co-opt university-sponsored occasions.
Amanda Silberstein, a vocal member of the student community, expressed a sentiment that encapsulates the university’s mission. “Slope Day should be a celebration that brings our campus together — not an event that isolates or alienates students,” she remarked. She hoped the university would choose future performers who contribute positively to campus unity.
The cancellation underscored the university's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, even at the expense of altering plans. President Kotlikoff's decision was described as aligned with university values and respectful of community concerns. The entire episode highlights the challenges universities face in balancing freedom of expression with community values. Within this framework, Cornell’s experience serves as a potent reminder of the intricate dynamics at play in ensuring campus events are inclusive and aligned with broader educational goals.
