Ithaca, New York – Kehlani’s scheduled performance at Cornell University’s annual Slope Day concert has been revoked due to her stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The decision, made by the university’s president, Michael I. Kotlikoff, came after concerns were raised about the divisive nature of Kehlani’s selection as the headliner for the event.
Slope Day is a longstanding tradition at Cornell, serving as a time for the community to come together and celebrate the end of classes. Student leaders typically organize the event and choose performers they believe will resonate with the student body. However, Kehlani’s involvement sparked controversy, prompting Kotlikoff to retract the invitation in order to maintain unity among attendees.
Kotlikoff stated that he received feedback from the community expressing anger, hurt, and confusion over the decision to feature Kehlani, citing her history of sharing anti-Semitic and anti-Israel sentiments through her music and social media. He emphasized that Slope Day is meant to foster camaraderie, not discord, hence the need to revise the lineup for the upcoming event.
Kehlani’s views on Israel’s conflict with Gaza have been a point of contention, with supporters of Israel taking issue with her public statements and actions. The debate intensified following a petition launched by Cornellians for Israel, critiquing the singer’s past social media posts and a controversial music video that featured a message supporting the Palestinian cause.
The decision to remove Kehlani from Slope Day aligns with a broader trend of political tensions on college campuses, particularly regarding discussions on Israel and instances of alleged anti-Semitism. This move by Cornell comes amid a backdrop of increased scrutiny by the Trump administration on universities dealing with such issues, showcasing the ongoing clash between freedom of speech and political sensitivities in educational settings.
As preparations for Slope Day continue, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding artistic expression, political activism, and community values. It underscores the ongoing dialogue on cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and the role of public figures in shaping public discourse. The outcome of this decision will likely resonate beyond the university campus, sparking discussions on music, politics, and social responsibility.