Cornell prof praises Hamas attack, returns to teaching

Russell Rickford, a history professor at Cornell University, returned to teaching after a year-long voluntary leave following public backlash over his comments regarding the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. During an anti-Israel rally, he described the attack as 'exhilarating' and 'energizing,' which led to widespread outrage and calls for disciplinary action. Despite the controversy, Cornell's administration decided not to impose any punishment, citing academic freedom and the nature of his comments as private expressions. Rickford is now teaching courses including 'African Americans Vision of America' and 'Socialism in America.' The university's decision has drawn criticism from various quarters, including political representatives and Jewish community leaders, who argue that his views are inappropriate for someone in an educational role. They express concern that his return could jeopardize the safety of Jewish students and undermine the university's reputation. Cornell's administration defended its stance, stating that Rickford's comments did not meet the threshold for disciplinary action, as they were made in a personal capacity. This decision has sparked a debate about the limits of academic freedom and the responsibilities of educators in shaping young minds. The situation reflects broader tensions on college campuses regarding free speech, antisemitism, and the impact of faculty statements on student safety. As protests and incidents of antisemitism continue to affect Cornell, the university faces ongoing scrutiny over its policies and the implications of allowing Rickford to return to the classroom.