Cornell University on Wednesday canned its upcoming release at a campus performance of Jewish attack entertainer Kelani after facing overwhelming backlash over its decision to host anti-Israeli musicians.
President Michael Kotricov said he has withdrawn the Grammy-nominated R&B artist’s invitation to perform at the university’s “Gradient Day” celebration next month.
“Unfortunately, that wasn’t the intention, but Kelani’s choice as a headliner this year injected split and inconsistency on the slopes,” he said in a letter to students and staff.
“In the days since Kerani was announced, we’ve heard serious concerns from our community that many people are angry and hurt, and that Slope Day will disrupt that it features performers who are anti-Semitic and pro-Israel sentiment in performances, videos and social media.”
“Artists have the right to express hatred views in our country, but slopeday is about unifying our community and not dividing it,” he added.
