Overview

• Cornell University confirmed Kehlani as the May 7 Slope Day headliner, chosen by a student-run board through a poll of student preferences.
• Jewish students and pro-Israel groups have criticized the decision, citing Kehlani’s history of antisemitic rhetoric and refusal to condemn Hamas's actions in 2023.
• The university amended Kehlani’s contract three weeks ago to prohibit political statements during her performance, with noncompliance resulting in forfeiture of payment.
• Cornell is under a $1 billion federal funding freeze and civil rights investigation into allegations of antisemitic discrimination on campus.
• University officials stated it was too late to replace Kehlani, emphasizing her recent performances at other universities without incident.