Cornell University Removes Controversial Singer Kehlani from Slope Day Concert Following Student Outcry

Cornell University Removes Controversial Singer Kehlani from Slope Day Concert Following Student Outcry

Cornell University announced on Wednesday that it has decided to remove singer Kehlani from its upcoming end-of-year Slope Day concert. This decision comes in response to significant backlash from the student body and growing concerns about the artist’s previous comments regarding Israel.

Following the mounting outrage over Kehlani’s selection as the headliner for this annual event, Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff stated that he would be rescinding her invitation. He acknowledged that the decision to feature Kehlani had inadvertently contributed to division and discord among the university community.

In his statement, Kotlikoff expressed regret about the situation, saying, “Unfortunately, although it was not the intention, the selection of Kehlani as this year’s headliner has injected division and discord into Slope Day. For that reason, I am rescinding Kehlani’s invitation and expect a new lineup for a great 2025 Slope Day to be announced shortly.” This announcement signals a significant shift from his earlier stance, which indicated a desire to stick with the original lineup despite student protests.

Outrage Sparks Change at Cornell

The decision to feature Kehlani had initially been met with enthusiasm by some but quickly turned contentious when pro-Israel students expressed their discontent. A petition garnering support from the student body prompted a reevaluation of the choice. Kotlikoff had previously asserted that the university staff had only recently become aware of Kehlani’s controversial social media presence, complicating the situation further.

Kehlani, a Grammy-nominated artist, has a history of sharing anti-Israel sentiments through her music and public remarks. In recent years, she has publicly called for dismantling Israel and has made several inflammatory comments regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Her social media activity includes posts that many have perceived as calls to violence.

Contentious Messages Spark Concern Among Students

One notable instance occurred when Kehlani wrote online, “it’s f— Israel from the top of my lungs. Idc [I don’t care] about the f—– threats. DISMANTLE ISRAEL. ERADICATE ZIONISM.” Such statements have led to a considerable backlash, particularly among students who feel marginalized by the university’s decision to host an artist with such views.

In her music video for the song “Next 2 U,” she included messages that many found concerning, including one that declared, “LONG LIVE THE INTIFADA,” a phrase interpreted by Jewish communities as advocating for violence against Israel. The visuals featured Kehlani and her dancers wearing attire representative of Palestinian solidarity, further amplifying the controversy.

The petition organized by students underscored their dissatisfaction, arguing that Kehlani’s rhetoric transcended political critique and aimed at directly targeting the Jewish population on campus that identifies as Zionist. They articulated their feelings of alienation, stating, “The fact that the university would allow for students to bring in a performer with views that actively call for violence to an event where she is supposed to represent all students makes me feel like I am not a respected member of this community.”

Leadership Responds to Community Concerns

In response to the growing concerns, Kotlikoff’s recent remark reflects his understanding of the emotional weight this issue carries for many students. He stated that the university received grave concerns from the community expressing feelings of anger, hurt, and confusion regarding the decision to feature a performer who has expressed strong anti-Israel sentiments. He emphasized that while all artists have the right to free expression, Slope Day should unify the community rather than create divisions.

“I believe it is the right thing to do and the decision I must make to ensure community and safety at this high-profile event that reaches the entire campus,” he added, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the university’s commitment to maintaining a sense of harmony among students.

Petition Achieves Its Goal

The petition organized by students appears to have made a significant impact, as the university updated their statement following Kotlikoff’s announcement. The updated petition expressed gratitude for the support demonstrated by students, saying, “Thanks to your help, the school has announced that Kehlani will not be performing at Slope Day! We truly appreciate your support in this endeavor – we would not have succeeded without you!”

As this situation evolves, it remains unclear who will replace Kehlani as the headliner for the concert. Regardless, the removal of Kehlani illustrates the influence of student voice and activism within university settings, challenging leadership to respond to the complex and often contentious landscape of campus culture.

Cornell students and the university community now await an announcement regarding the new lineup for Slope Day. The decision sends a strong message about the values that the institution aims to uphold, prioritizing inclusivity and community unity.

At this juncture, representatives for Kehlani have not commented on the decision to rescind her invitation.