ACF Condemns Cornell’s Reinstatement of Russell Rickford

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2024
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ACF Condemns Cornell’s Reinstatement of Russell Rickford

New York, NY – Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) Executive Director Avi D. Gordon released the following statement in response to Cornell University’s appalling decision to reinstate Professor Russell Rickford after his abhorrent comments praising the October 7 Hamas attacks.

“Allowing Russell Rickford to return to the classroom is a disgrace. This decision was one of the first major tests for Interim President Michael Kotlikoff and he failed it spectacularly. Reinstating Rickford is a slap in the face to the Jewish community and undermines Cornell’s commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment.”

Professor Rickford publicly described the barbaric sexual attacks and massacre of over 1,200 Jews as “energizing” and “exhilarating”— a blatant endorsement of both terrorism and antisemitism. In addition to these horrifying statements, Rickford played a leading role in the encampments and protests that further alienated Jewish students on campus, even while he was “on leave.” Cornell confirmed that Rickford did not face disciplinary action.

According to a recent ACF survey, 83% of Jewish students and recent alumni believe antisemitism is a “very serious problem”. There has been a 45% increase in reported physical threats against Jewish students.

ACF calls on Cornell to immediately reverse this decision and commit to meaningful action to combat antisemitism and protect the Jewish community.

About ACF: Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) leverages the unique power of alumni to combat antisemitism on college campuses. ACF helps organize and cultivate alumni chapters for colleges and universities across the country, equipping members with tools, tactics, and training to proactively engage with administrators. Learn more at www.campusfairness.org.