(The Center Square) – Cornell University has cancelled Kehlani as the headliner for the school’s “Slope Day” celebration, following criticism over the performer’s alleged antisemitic views.
“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,” Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff said in a message concerning the performer’s cancellation.
“While any artist has the right in our country to express hateful views, Slope Day is about uniting our community, not dividing it,” Kotlikoff said.
“Unfortunately, although it was not the intention, the selection of Kehlani as this year’s headliner has injected division and discord into Slope Day,” Kotlikoff said.
“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 said.
When reached for comment, Cornell deputy director of media relations Lindsey Knewstub referred The Center Square to Kotlikoff’s message.
Kehlani is a “a multi-Grammy Award-nominated R&B artist,” according to an archived version of the Slope Day headliner announcement that is now taken down.
Kehlani released a music video in 2024 for her song “Next 2 U” that displayed the words “long live the intifada” on-screen following a quote from Palestinian-American “poet and clinical psychologist” Hala Alyan, as described by the Poetry Foundation.
The music video also featured the Palestinian flag hanging behind Kehlani and waved by background dancers.
NBC called the music video a “rare instance of a mainstream artist expressing a clear pro-Palestinian stance through music.”
When Cornell announced Kehlani would perform at its event, backlash ensued.
Kehlani was chosen as Slope Day’s headliner by the Cornell student-run Slope Day Planning Board, according to the archived announcement.
“Kehlani is known to be an amazing performer and brings theatrics to the stage, along with a voice, presence, and lyrics that have an attitude of empowerment to them,” the executive director of the board said in the archived announcement.
Kehlani’s presence as Slope Day’s headliner was originally advertised as the “first female headliner in 16 years” – aside from one virtual performance – according to the archived announcement
Cornell’s annual Slope Day celebration began in 1901 as “Spring Day,” according to the announcement.
“Since 2003, it has focused on live music, food and fun, with past headliners including Kanye West, The Pussycat Dolls and Kendrick Lamar,” the announcement said.
This year, Slope Day includes “a carnival-themed party” called Slope Fest, Alternative Slope Day, “an outdoor experience,” and Slope Day BreakFEST, according to the announcement.
Slope Day will also include a Sensory Supportive Space that is “designed to provide a calming space for those who can benefit from a break during the day’s activities.”
Slope Day’s official webpage has a mature content warning for the event that states: “This event is intended for mature audiences. Please be aware of your surroundings, as the content may not be suitable for all ages.”
Cornell is one of the 60 universities the U.S. Department of Education announced is under investigation for alleged “antisemitic discrimination and harassment.”
