Cornell University Faces Harsh Criticism for Failing to Protect Jewish Students from Antisemitism
Cornell University, known for its prestigious reputation, is facing intense scrutiny over its alleged failure to protect Jewish students from repeated instances of antisemitism on campus. Jewish high schoolers in New York City have been warned against applying to Cornell due to concerns about the university’s lack of action in addressing this issue.
The organization Alums for Campus Fairness, a national network of alumni dedicated to countering antisemitism on campus, has taken on the responsibility of informing prospective Jewish students and their families about Cornell’s failure to protect the Jewish community. They have distributed brochures to high schools in the New York City metro area, cautioning against considering Cornell as a safe place for Jewish students.
The brochures, designed to resemble promotional materials sent by the university, highlight Cornell’s refusal to enforce the student code of conduct, which contributes to a hostile climate for Jewish students. The organization argues that this endangers the safety and well-being of Jewish students on campus.
Last year, the Department of Education initiated investigations into several colleges, including Cornell, over allegations of discrimination on campus. Additionally, the House Ways and Means Committee launched a probe into four elite universities, including Cornell, for their handling of campus antisemitism.
Digital reported last year that a professor at Cornell, Russell Rickford, came under fire for his controversial remarks regarding the war in Israel. Rickford, who identifies as a “secular Marxist,” was accused of justifying terror, further fueling concerns about the university’s stance on antisemitism.
In another alarming incident, a Cornell student, Patrick Dai, was arrested for allegedly posting threatening messages on a Greek life message board. The messages included anti-Semitic language and disturbing threats against Jewish individuals.
The university has also witnessed protests against Israel and hateful graffiti on campus targeting the Jewish community. Such incidents, coupled with Cornell’s alleged lack of action, have sparked outrage among Jewish activists who demand that the university fulfill its obligation to protect Jewish students from discrimination under Title XI.
As one activist, Lizzy Savetsky, emphasized, universities like Cornell have an ethical and legal responsibility to ensure that Jewish students and supporters of Israel are safeguarded from discrimination and harassment. Failure to create a secure environment sends a clear message that the Jewish community is not welcome on campus.
Alums for Campus Fairness is calling on Cornell to take decisive action against antisemitism. Their demands include terminating Professor Rickford, enforcing the student code of conduct, and defining and denouncing antisemitism. The organization also urges the Ivy League to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s statement on antisemitism.
The seriousness of the situation is evident as Penn and Harvard, two other Ivy League institutions, saw their former presidents resign following national and campus backlash over their handling of antisemitism. Cornell’s current president, Martha E. Pollack, has condemned instances of antisemitism on campus and promised full accountability for those involved.
However, critics argue that these responses from the university administration seem like mere “window dressing.” In January, Cornell received a letter from the House Ways and Means Committee, indicating that the university’s tax-exempt status could be at risk due to its handling of antisemitism. This development has led to skepticism about the sincerity of the university’s actions.
As the controversy surrounding Cornell University continues to unfold, it is clear that the institution must take concrete steps to address the issue of antisemitism on its campus. The safety and well-being of Jewish students should be a top priority, and failure to address this problem effectively will only further tarnish Cornell’s reputation.
