Washington: In a bold act of defiance, students at Cornell University in Ithaca hung a 9-meter (30-foot) banner reading "GAZA" in bright red letters from the iconic McGraw Tower on Monday, signalling their continued support for Palestinians amid escalating conflict in Gaza.
The protest comes at a time when the Trump administration has reportedly frozen over $1 billion in funding for the prestigious university, citing its lack of action against anti-war demonstrations on campus. This funding freeze is part of a larger push to curb pro-Palestinian protests at universities across the United States.
The university has faced pressure to act, and in response, Cornell canceled an upcoming performance by singer Kehlani, known for her vocal support of Palestinians. The move has sparked outrage among students and activists who view it as an infringement on free speech and academic freedom.
The university’s stance has also led to consequences for students engaged in pro-Palestinian activism. PhD student Momodou Taal, who was involved in protests, had his student visa revoked last month and subsequently left the U.S. The situation highlights the growing tensions between activism, government policies, and the actions of academic institutions as debates over the war in Gaza continue to stir controversy across the globe.
