On Wednesday, May 9, 2025, students at Cornell University will celebrate the last day of undergraduate classes for the 2024-2025 academic year. Keeping with tradition, students will party, fellowship, and unwind at the Ivy League institution’s annual Slope Day festivities. Per usual, the event will feature a well-known musical act. At first, many expected five-time GRAMMY-nominated recording artist Kehlani to take the stage in Ithaca, New York. However, those expectations were quickly squashed when Cornell University President Michael I. Kotlikoff issued a statement announcing the performance had been canceled.
“Unfortunately, although it was not the intention, the selection of Kehlani as this year’s headliner has injected division and discord into Slope Day. For that reason, I am rescinding Kehlani’s invitation and expect a new lineup for a great 2025 Slope Day to be announced shortly,” Kotlikoff 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. While any artist has the right in our country to express hateful views, Slope Day is about uniting our community, not dividing it.”
Recently, Kehlani shared their thoughts regarding the cancellation. In no uncertain terms, the Bay Area native clarified that they are “not antisemitic nor anti-Jew,” but rather “anti-genocide” and “anti the actions of the Israeli government.”
“I am anti-genocide, I am anti the actions of the Israeli government, I am anti an extermination of an entire people, I am anti the bombing of innocent children, men, women — that’s what I’m anti,” Kehlani said.
“In fact, the very first Live that I did in the beginning of this genocide was with a really beautiful Jewish organization called Jewish Voices for Peace, and I still continue to learn from and work alongside really impactful Jewish organizers against this genocide.”
Cornell is expected to name a new headliner for Slope Day in the coming days. Meanwhile, Kehlani is set to take the stage at the EmpowHER Festival in Los Angeles on May 10, 2025.
