Cornell University cancels performance of R&B Star Kerani After complaining to the president of Ivy League School, she expressed anti-Semitic and anti-Israel sentiment.
Kehlani was scheduled to perform as a headliner next month at the annual celebration at an upstate New York school called Slope Day. However, President Michael Kotrykov said he had revoked the invitation on Wednesday after “injecting inconsistencies with the division and discordded” into the May 7 event.
“In the days since Kerani was announced, we have heard serious concerns from our community that many people are angry, hurt and confused. We have heard that Slope Day features performers who are pro-Semitic and anti-Israel sentiment in performances, videos and social media.” “In our country we have the right to express hated views in our country, but Slope Day is about unifying our community and not dividing it.”
An email seeking comment was sent to a Kehlani representative.
Kelani uses their position to publicly support the Palestinians. She sings in front of the Palestine flag “Next 2 U” music video, It features the phrase “Long Live the Intifada” at the start. Intifada, the Arabic word for “uprising” or “resistance,” is seen as a call for violence against Jews.
Cornell is one of many US universities seeking to navigate the rising tensions on campus since the war in Gaza, dealing with both Palestinian parental demonstrations and accusations that anti-Semitism is allowed to be unchecked. Trump administration Over $1 billion frozen this month With Cornell’s federal funds while the government investigates alleged civil rights violations.
Kotlikoff said he had consulted with event organizers and other students before dropping Kehlani.
“I understand that my decisions will be celebrated by some and criticized by others,” Kotrikov writes. “That’s the right thing to do and I think it’s a decision I have to make to ensure community and safety at this famous event that reaches the entire campus.”
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