Cornell activists vandalize Day Hall on first day of school

On the first day of the fall semester, pro-Palestine activists vandalized Day Hall at Cornell University, smashing the front door glass and spray-painting messages such as "Israel bombs, Cornell pays". This act of vandalism occurred amid a historic strike by Cornell workers and followed extensive pro-Palestine demonstrations over the previous semesters. The activists expressed their frustration with the university administration's perceived inaction regarding calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and divestment from weapons manufacturers linked to Israel. The activists criticized former president Martha Pollack for not supporting student-led initiatives that favored divestment and claimed current President Michael Kotlikoff was undermining worker solidarity during the ongoing strike. They argued that targeting property was a necessary tactic to draw attention to their cause, as they felt traditional forms of protest were insufficient. In response to the vandalism, university officials condemned the actions, stating that such behavior would not be tolerated and would lead to investigations by Cornell Police. The administration emphasized the need to balance free speech with maintaining a safe learning environment. Vice President for University Relations Joel Malina expressed dismay over the incident and indicated that those responsible would face potential consequences. The activists vowed to continue their efforts for divestment and broader liberation struggles, indicating a commitment to escalate their actions in pursuit of their goals. Their statement reflects a growing disillusionment with conventional protest methods, suggesting a shift towards more direct forms of activism to achieve their objectives.