Kehlani’s music video for “Next 2 U” opens with a somewhat salacious phrase that always seems to draw attention. This has led to outrage by community members and accusations of antisemitic sentiments. Cornell’s president, Michael I. Kotlikoff, came out strongly against the move. He noted that artists have a right to express their opinion however they’d like, and Slope Day is meant to unite, not divide our community.
In Kotlikoff’s statement, he noted, “Unfortunately, although it was not the intention, the selection of Kehlani as this year’s headliner has injected division and discord into Slope Day.” Turf disclosed that he’d received a wealth of thoughtful feedback from students. For a great number of them, they felt personally offended and misled by the selection of artist.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators across the world have adopted the term “Intifada,” which translates to rebellion or uprising in Arabic. That’s because it so aptly embodies their rebellion against persecution. It is also linked to an upsurge of violence, manifested through protests and riots, primarily by Palestinians against Israel. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has intensified since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths. In retaliation, Israel has ramped up airstrikes, with an estimated 51,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Cornell University continues their decades-old tradition. The difference is that student leaders take an active role in planning Slope Day and selecting artists that actually connect with their classmates. Earlier this month, the Oakland singer was announced as the headliner for the 2019 three-day festival. Plus, we will have a student competition to choose the DJ! As the Israel-Gaza tensions intensified, her invitation became a flashpoint of controversy.
Kotlikoff admitted that community feedback particularly influenced the decision to rescind Kehlani’s invitation. He stated, “In the days since Kehlani was announced, I have heard grave concerns from our community that many are angry, hurt, and confused that Slope Day would feature a performer who has espoused antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments in performances, videos, and on social media.”
The university’s administration has had a difficult time navigating these complex domestic student protests over the university’s ties to Israel and the violence in Gaza. Tempers flare between students and the broader community. Past ceasefires have not succeeded in bringing long-term stability to the region since collapsing in March 2025.