Cornell University has canceled the upcoming performance of R&B singer Kehlani at its annual end-of-semester “Slope Day” concert following intense backlash from Jewish students and alumni. The decision, announced by university president Michael Kotlikoff in a campus-wide email on Wednesday, came after concerns were raised over the singer’s past political statements and perceived antisemitic rhetoric.
A Controversial Performer Choice
Kehlani, initially announced as the Slope Day headliner on April 10, quickly became a divisive figure on campus. The student-led announcement drew immediate criticism from the group Cornellians for Israel, which publicly called for the university to rescind the invitation due to the artist’s inflammatory public statements and imagery perceived as hostile toward Israel.
Among the key concerns was Kehlani’s 2023 music video that included the phrase “Long Live the Intifada”, a reference to the Palestinian uprisings against Israel that resulted in thousands of casualties. She had also posted on X (formerly Twitter), “It’s f— Israel, it’s f— Zionism, and it’s also f— a lot of y’all too,” sparking accusations of antisemitism.
Shift in University Stance
Initially, President Kotlikoff had indicated that it was “too late” to cancel the performance and that the university had made contractual adjustments to minimize political expression. However, after speaking with Jewish students—including during a Shabbat dinner—and receiving growing pressure from students, parents, and national organizations, Kotlikoff reversed course.
In his statement, he wrote:
“In the days since Kehlani was announced, I have heard grave concerns from our community that many are angry, hurt, and confused… While any artist has the right in our country to express hateful views, Slope Day is about uniting our community, not dividing it.”
A Divided Campus, A Broader Debate
The controversy reflects growing tensions on U.S. campuses over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where free speech, political expression, and community inclusiveness often clash. Jewish students and supporters expressed relief following the cancellation.
The group Cornellians for Israel, which had circulated posts calling for Kehlani’s removal or for refunds of the $384 student activity fee, updated their Instagram with a caption that read:
“Jewish students have made our voices heard.”
Conversely, some students and civil liberties advocates expressed concerns about the implications for artistic freedom and the precedent set by capitulating to political pressure.
Looking Ahead: New Selection Process Promised
President Kotlikoff acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and promised reforms to the artist selection process:
“I understand that my decision will be celebrated by some and criticized by others. I believe it is the right thing to do… We will revise the process for researching and selecting performers moving forward.”
No alternative lineup has been announced for Slope Day, which remains one of the most anticipated social events on campus each year.
Political and Parental Pressure
The incident also comes as Cornell faces potential federal funding cuts over alleged antisemitism, adding further urgency to university leadership’s actions. The topic has been a source of concern in the Cornell Parents Facebook group, where some questioned the judgment of booking Kehlani amid heightened political scrutiny.
Final Thoughts
This episode at Cornell underscores a wider national conversation about the balance between inclusion and free expression, especially in politically charged contexts. As universities become increasingly scrutinized for how they respond to student concerns and external pressures, the Kehlani controversy may serve as a touchstone for future debates on college campuses across the country.
