“Sadly, though it was not the intention, the collection of Kehlani as this yr’s headliner has injected division and discord into Slope Day,” he continued. “For that motive, I’m rescinding Kehlani’s invitation and count on a brand new lineup for an amazing 2025 Slope Day to be introduced shortly.”
Explaining his resolution to take away Kehlani from Slope Day, Kotlikoff mentioned: “Within the days since Kehlani was introduced, I’ve heard grave issues from our group that many are offended, damage, and confused that Slope Day would function a performer who has espoused antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments in performances, movies, and on social media. Whereas any artist has the proper in our nation to precise hateful views, Slope Day is about uniting our group, not dividing it.”
Kehlani has lengthy opposed Israel’s battle in Gaza and proven assist for Palestinians. Israel’s battle within the territory escalated after the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023, that killed 1,200 Israelis. A ceasefire took maintain in January 2025, however ended in March, as Israel accused Hamas of violating phrases of the settlement. In response to latest numbers from Gaza’s Well being Ministry, Israel’s offensive has killed greater than 51,000 Palestinians.
In response to The Cornell Solar, college students from Cornellians for Israel launched a petition in opposition to the collection of Kehlani not lengthy after she was introduced for Slope Day. The group took problem with a few of her social media posts and cited the singer’s “Subsequent 2 U” music video, which opened with the message “Lengthy Reside the Intifada.” The time period “intifada,” an Arabic phrase for a revolt or rebellion, is used by pro-Palestinian demonstrators to sign assist for the area’s liberation from oppression. It has additionally been used to explain intervals of violent protests by Palestinians in opposition to Israelis.
Cornell’s resolution to take away Kehlani from its spring live performance arrives as President Donald J. Trump and his administration crack down in opposition to free speech on faculty campuses. The administration has notably focused colleges which have handled pupil protests in opposition to Israel and the battle in Gaza. Cornell, for instance, just lately, had greater than $1 billion frozen by the Trump administration as the federal government investigates allegations of antisemitism on campus.
