On Monday, August 26, the first day of classes brought graffiti and a smashed glass door on Day Hall, marking the return of Gaza-related protests to the new academic year. These disruptions were joined with a week of marching and protests by the United Auto Workers (UAW) who are striking against Cornell.
As Cornell restarts for the Spring 2024 term, pro-Palestine advocates are running out of options. With a goal of influencing U.S. foreign policy, the advocates seek to magnify their influence by identifying symbolic local actions to make their position appear more popular.
Cornell University experienced a tumultuous year with events affecting free speech, campus politics, and campus culture. The “Year of Free Expression” saw debates on academic freedom, controversial speakers, and tensions regarding Israel. Additionally, there were developments in Greek life, student unionization, and controversies around sex ed and sports culture.
History Professor Rickford, criticized for calling Hamas attacks “exhilarating,” takes a semester leave amid demands for his dismissal.
A Cornell professor was caught tearing down a poster quoting Professor Rickford’s remarks about Hamas.
In the wake of backlash to Professor Rickford and his comments on Hamas, law professor William Jacobson has called for deep DEI reform at Cornell.
On Friday morning, protestors followed and surrounded a billboard truck demanding Professor Rickford’s firing, eventually forcing it to shut down.
A mobile billboard demanding the firing of Professor Rickford attracted counterprotestors Friday morning.
This organization is a registered student organization of Cornell University