Cornell Invites Controversial Artist Kehlani Amid Ongoing Antisemitism Concerns

ITHACA, N.Y. — Cornell University is facing backlash for inviting R&B artist Kehlani to headline its Slope Day celebration on May 7. The decision, made by the student-run Slope Day Planning Board, has drawn criticism due to the artist’s controversial views on Israel and perceived antisemitism.

Kehlani gained attention for her explicit support of Palestinian resistance movements, notably opening her music video for “Next 2 U” with the phrase “Long live the Intifada.” Critics argue that this and similar statements glorify violence against Israelis and Jews. The school’s invitation comes amid heightened scrutiny following an ongoing civil rights investigation into alleged antisemitic discrimination on campus.

Amanda Silberstein, president of the Chabad Center at Cornell, expressed her dismay. “Kehlani isn’t just an artist with controversial views — she is someone who has publicly glorified violence against Jews and consistently promoted dangerous, antisemitic rhetoric that directly threatens our community,” Silberstein stated. “By inviting someone with such a deeply troubling history of antisemitism to headline one of our most high-profile campus events, Cornell is sending a message that Jewish safety and wellbeing are negotiable.”

The invitation has been condemned by watchdog group StopAntisemitism, which asserts that Kehlani’s support for Hamas and anti-Israel rhetoric are unacceptable. In a statement, they highlighted her failure to condemn the October 7, 2023, attacks that took the lives of Israeli civilians and accused her of fostering an atmosphere of hate against Jews.

Liora Rez, founder of StopAntisemitism, criticized Cornell for allowing Kehlani a platform, stating, “Cornell is doubling down by featuring vile Jew-hater Kehlani as a headliner for their end-of-year celebration. She openly calls for intifada, the violent targeting of Jews, and the eradication of Zionists, code for over 95% of the global Jewish population.”

Rez further questioned the university’s commitment to all students’ safety, drawing parallels to how other marginalized groups are treated. “Black students wouldn’t be expected to welcome a KKK rock band on campus. Asian students weren’t told, ‘Asian hate…get over it.’ So why are Jewish students treated as the exception?”

Cornell University has stated that the headliner for Slope Day is selected based on a student poll and that Kehlani was chosen due to her popularity. A university spokesperson defended the invitation, emphasizing that the artist’s personal views do not reflect the institution’s stance. They also noted that the artist is expected to adhere to Cornell’s anti-discrimination policies during the performance.

“The headliner is selected by the student-run Slope Day Planning Board following a poll of students,” the spokesperson said. “The personal views expressed by this artist are their own and do not represent the university. However, the artist must uphold Cornell’s anti-discrimination policies, which include prohibition of political expression as part of the concert.”

Kehlani’s representatives did not respond to requests for comment regarding the controversy. The decision to invite her comes after Cornell has faced numerous anti-Israel protests and threats against Jewish students, escalating tensions within the campus community.