Since the Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7, we’ve seen progressives say the unthinkable. Numerous far-left groups have sided with Palestine, seemingly defending or supporting the attacks against Israeli civilians.
Student groups in universities have faced intense backlash for issuing statements condemning Israel. Black Lives Matter is losing support from corporations over pro-Hamas statements and imagery.
But perhaps one of the most shocking displays was from a Cornell professor. During a pro-Palestinian protest, he said the Hamas attack was “exhilarating” and “energizing.” And now, it looks like he is facing some serious consequences.
The Cornell professor who called the Hamas terror attack on Israel “exhilarating” and “energizing” is now on a leave of absence until at least the end of the semester.
“It was exhilarating. It was exhilarating, it was energizing,” [Russell Rickford] was seen telling the crowd, claiming “you would not be human” not to feel the same…
After initially standing by his statements, the embattled professor later apologized “for the horrible choice of words,” admitting they were “reprehensible” — before his students were told he would no longer teach this semester. [Source: New York Post]
An associate professor of history at Cornell University, Russell Rickford, was seen speaking at a pro-Palestinian protest soon after the October 7th attacks. He said the Hamas-led terror attack was “exhilarating” and “energizing.”
He said he was “exhilarated” by an event that resulted in over 1,400 Israelis murdered, others injured or kidnapped.
Soon after the clip went viral, it appears the consequences set in for Rickford. He at first defended his statement, but later apologized. It is likely the school forced the professor to issue an apology. According to a report, Rickford “requested” a leave of absence.
This is the university world’s way of saying he was forced to take a leave of absence.
A petition for his termination is currently at 11,000 signatures. Sen. Gillibrand and Rep. Claudia Tenney have called for his resignation.
Unfortunately, it does not appear Rickford will face a stronger punishment for his actions. The school issued a rebuke of his words. But it did not state that they were firing or removing him from his teaching role. His apology might not be appreciated by Jewish students at Cornell, nor those deeply affected by the terror attacks.
Author: Kit Fargo
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