Statement of President Pollack and Board Chair Kayser on Prof. Russell Rickford comments
We learned yesterday of comments that Professor Russell Rickford made over the weekend at an off-campus rally where he described the Hamas terrorist attacks as “exhilarating.” This is a reprehensible comment that demonstrates no regard whatsoever for humanity. As we said in yesterday’s statement, endorsed by senior leadership of the Board of Trustees, any members of our community who have made such statements do not speak for Cornell; in fact, they speak in direct opposition to all we stand for at Cornell. The university is taking this incident seriously and is currently reviewing it consistent with our procedures.
Martha E. Pollack
President
Kraig H. Kayser, MBA ’84
Chairman of the Cornell University Board of Trustees