Cornell Professor Who Celebrated Hamas Massacre Returns to Campus, Leading Anti-Israel Protest

Despite previous condemnation for praising a deadly Hamas attack, a Cornell University professor has once again found himself at the center of controversy after taking part in a campus anti-Israel protest.

Cornell University professor Russell Rickford has sparked outrage yet again by participating in an anti-Israel protest on campus, just months after facing criticism for celebrating a Hamas terror attack.

Cornell Professor Who Celebrated Hamas Massacre Returns to Campus, Leading Anti-Israel Protest

Rickford, an associate professor of history, was seen in a video marching with dozens of anti-Israel supporters, many wearing keffiyehs and carrying Palestinian flags. The protesters chanted "long live the intifada" and disrupted a career fair on campus.

Last October, Rickford drew widespread condemnation for describing Hamas' deadly operation in Southern Israel as "exhilarating." He later apologized, admitting his remarks were "reprehensible."

Cornell Professor Who Celebrated Hamas Massacre Returns to Campus, Leading Anti-Israel Protest

Despite the controversy, Rickford has returned to campus and remains immune from any official consequences. University officials stated that students who violated policies during the protest would face suspension, while faculty and staff would be referred to human resources.

"These individuals will also be subject to potential criminal charges," said Cornell spokesperson Joel Malina.

Cornell Professor Who Celebrated Hamas Massacre Returns to Campus, Leading Anti-Israel Protest

Rickford's latest actions have ignited anger among the Jewish community on campus. Amanda Silberstain of Chabad and Cornellians for Israel said, "We have a professor who is promoting antisemitic narratives and emboldening hate."

Cornell President Martha E. Pollack previously denounced Rickford's earlier remarks but noted that they fell under protected speech. The university has a process for determining whether off-campus statements cross the line into prohibited bias or harassment, she added.

Cornell Professor Who Celebrated Hamas Massacre Returns to Campus, Leading Anti-Israel Protest

However, Rickford's history of inflammatory comments extends beyond his praise for Hamas. In two videos from 2014 and 2021, he expressed support for an anti-racist "insurgent" group to seize power in the United States.

Rickford has also endorsed "radical frameworks for anti-racism" that advocate for redistributing wealth and challenging the capitalist system. He described the Black Lives Matter movement as a reflection of this "redistributive mode."

Cornell Professor Who Celebrated Hamas Massacre Returns to Campus, Leading Anti-Israel Protest

Rickford's controversial views have led to calls for his removal from the university. However, he remains protected by academic freedom principles.

The incident has reignited the debate on balancing free speech with the need to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment on college campuses. University officials have pledged to address the issue and prevent future disruptions.