Overview

• Cornell University has confirmed singer Kehlani as the headliner for its Slope Day event on May 7, 2025, following a student poll conducted by the Slope Day Planning Board.
• Kehlani's history of anti-Israel statements, including calls for 'intifada' and harsh criticism of Zionism, has drawn backlash from pro-Israel students and advocacy groups who argue her presence threatens Jewish safety on campus.
• The university has defended the decision, citing its student-led selection process and emphasizing that Kehlani's contract includes clauses prohibiting political statements during her performance under penalty of forfeiture.
• Cornell remains under federal scrutiny for its handling of campus antisemitism, with a $1 billion funding freeze still in place following a civil-rights investigation initiated during the Trump administration.
• University officials have acknowledged concerns but stated it was too late to secure a replacement performer, while reiterating their commitment to anti-discrimination policies.