Cornell University Has an Obligation to Protect Academic Freedom in Extramural Speech

Cornell faces a test of its resolve to protect faculty academic freedom in the current moment of heightened tension and emotions concerning the Israel-Hamas War. At this point, the Cornell administration has fallen short of its obligations. On Oct. 17, President Pollack and Board of Trustees Chair Kraig Kayser issued a joint statement condemning Professor Russell Rickford’s extramural speech at an Oct. 15 rally for Palestinian rights. The Pollack/Kayser joint statement made implicit threats against Professor Rickford’s employment by stating that the University is currently “reviewing [the incident] consistent with [Cornell] procedures.”