Cornell professor who praised Oct 7 Hamas attack joins another anti-Israel protest on campus

Fri Sep 20 11:40:07 UTC 2024: ## Cornell Professor Under Fire Again for Anti-Israel March

**ITHACA, NY** – Cornell University Professor Russell Rickford, who previously sparked outrage for his comments justifying Hamas’ October 7th attacks on Israel, is facing renewed criticism for participating in an anti-Israel march on campus this week.

Video footage captured Rickford wearing a keffiyeh and marching alongside a group of protesters who chanted “long live the intifada” and disrupted a career fair at the Statler Hotel. The protesters, many of whom wore face masks and Palestinian flags, chanted slogans like “Cornell divest from genocide” and “defund genocide.”

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with students and university officials expressing concern about the disruptive nature of the protest and Rickford’s presence. Joel Malina, vice president of university relations at Cornell, called the behavior “unacceptable, a violation of university policy, and illegal.”

Rickford previously apologized for his comments about the Hamas attacks, calling them “reprehensible,” but his involvement in the recent protest has reignited controversy. Critics have accused him of promoting antisemitic narratives and emboldening hate.

Cornell University has stated that students involved in the protest will face disciplinary action, including potential suspension, while faculty and staff will be referred to human resources.

This latest controversy comes amid scrutiny of Rickford’s past statements, including his endorsement of an “anti-racist insurgency” to redistribute power and resources in the United States. He has also called for a “redistributive mode of anti-racism” that challenges the “normal operations of capitalism.”

Cornell University has defended Rickford’s right to free speech, arguing that his off-campus comments at a political rally fall under the category of protected speech. However, the university is facing pressure to address the growing concerns over Rickford’s behavior and his impact on the campus community.

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