What it is about
Russell Rickford, an associate professor of history at Cornell University, who previously faced criticism for praising Hamas’s attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, has been seen participating in another anti-Israel protest on campus.
Why it matters
Rickford’s involvement in these protests, especially given his past inflammatory remarks approving of terrorist activities, raises serious concerns about promoting sentiments that could foster antisemitism and jeopardize campus harmony.
Driving the News
Rickford was caught on video on Wednesday at Cornell, wearing a keffiyeh, and participating in the protest where chants of “long live the intifada” could be heard. The demonstrators did not just limit themselves to shouting slogans but also disrupted a career fair, raising alarm among attendees.
University’s Stance
School officials emphasized that the event violated university policy and stated the necessity of taking disciplinary action. Joel Malina, the vice president of university relations at Cornell, noted that university guests felt threatened, signaling zero tolerance for such behavior moving forward.
Response from the Jewish Community
Jewish students and community members expressed distress, describing Rickford’s presence as emboldening hate. Amanda Silberstain, vice president of Chabad and Cornellians for Israel, voiced concerns over the growing narrative fueled by Rickford’s conduct.
Context and Background
Rickford previously justified the attacks carried out by Hamas, calling them “exhilarating,” which earned resounding condemnation from varying quarters. Although he later apologized, his latest actions continue to stir debate about his position and implications for safety and inclusivity on campus.
What’s Next
Cornell University’s administration indicated that they would be dealing with the protest’s university policy violations stringently, which could lead to suspensions, human resources referrals, and potential criminal charges for those involved.
Conclusion
This incident at Cornell showcases the challenges of balancing free speech with maintaining a safe, inclusive campus atmosphere. It underscores the need for other institutions to be vigilant and proactive in addressing actions that could foment divisiveness and undercut educational environments.
This story was first published on foxnews.com.