Pathways to Peace disturbance
The Pathways to Peace event Monday night provided an educational discussion on the complex history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and negotiations. Cornell successfully hosted a panel of esteemed former Middle East leaders and U.S. ambassadors who shared historical perspectives and unique insight for achieving a peaceful future. The hundreds of members of the Cornell community who came to Bailey Hall to listen, learn, and respectfully debate experienced an evening of information, introspection, and critical self-examination.
Unfortunately, the event was marred by disappointing disruptions. The ability of speakers to present opinions and ideas, and to engage in thoughtful dialogue with the university community, is critical to the educational process and fundamental to university life. Individuals attempting to shout down speakers and disrupt dialogue seriously compromise our values. Those who disrupted the Pathways to Peace event were swiftly removed.
Cornell University Police identified 17 people responsible for this unacceptable disruption. Nine students will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards for appropriate action, including the imposition of interim measures up to and including suspension. Staff members involved in the disruption will be referred for disciplinary actions through Human Resources. Outside disrupters will be issued persona non grata status, barring them from Cornell’s campus.
Additionally, for advertising and organizing this disruption, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), a student-run organization, faces suspension as a registered campus organization.
Events like Pathways to Peace represent our ambition to embrace diverse viewpoints and engage in difficult conversations. Cornell must be a place where all voices can be heard and none are silenced.
Michael I. Kotlikoff
Interim President, Cornell University
"I appreciated the initiative by Interim President Kotlikoff and the Cornell University leadership to arrange a forum for Israeli, Palestinian, and American leaders to discuss the war in Gaza following the brutal Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023, and possible pathways to peace. They should be commended for doing so. They expected protests from those who deny Israel’s right to exist, and were well-prepared to handle them. When protesters chose to disrupt the event, they were removed by security officers, and, I gather, subject to disciplinary consequences. That is entirely appropriate. Despite the disruptions, which petered out after the early minutes, my fellow speakers and I were able to proceed with the event and had a full and thoughtful exchange over nearly two hours for the large audience that was there to listen. Again, I appreciate Cornell University’s leadership for giving us a chance to share our views with their community."
Daniel B. Shapiro
U.S. ambassador to Israel, 2011-2017
Pathways to Peace panelist