Summary
Cornell University professor Russell Rickford has faced renewed criticism for participating in an anti-Israel protest on campus, where demonstrators chanted slogans supportive of Palestinian uprisings. This follows his previous controversial remarks in which he described the October 7 Hamas attacks as “exhilarating,” leading to a backlash and calls for accountability.
Rickford’s involvement in the protest coincided with a disruption of a career fair at Cornell, raising concerns about the safety and experience of Jewish students on campus. University officials condemned the protestors’ actions, stating they violated university policy. Critics, including Jewish student organizations, have accused Rickford of promoting antisemitism and emboldening hate, while calls for stronger institutional responses to such incidents continue to grow. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has also been criticized for her perceived inaction regarding antisemitism on college campuses, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions surrounding Rickford’s statements and actions.
Gov. Kathy Hochul refuses to get tough with colleges that indulge antisemites
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Cornell professor who praised Oct 7 Hamas attack joins another anti-Israel protest on campus
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