Student activists at Cornell University made a dramatic statement Monday by hanging a massive banner reading “GAZA” in bright red letters from the campus’s iconic McGraw Tower.
The banner stretched 9 metres (30 feet) long and was clearly visible across the Ithaca campus. It was part of a growing wave of pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. college campuses amid the ongoing Gaza war.
University Under Political Pressure
The protest comes at a tense moment. The Trump administration has reportedly frozen over $1 billion in federal funding for Cornell. Sources suggest the move is partly linked to mounting political pressure on universities to curb demonstrations against the Israeli military campaign in Gaza.
This crackdown has already sparked backlash from faculty, students, and human rights groups, who say it’s an attack on free speech and academic freedom.
Events Cancelled, Students Penalized
Cornell has responded by cancelling a scheduled performance by singer Kehlani, known for her outspoken support of Palestinians. The decision was met with criticism from students and artists who accused the university of silencing pro-Palestinian voices.
Protesting students have faced disciplinary actions as well. Among them is Momodou Taal, a PhD student and activist, who had to leave the United States last month after his student visa was revoked. Taal had participated in several peaceful campus protests calling for an end to the violence in Gaza.
Growing Movement Across Campuses
The banner drop at McGraw Tower adds Cornell to a growing list of universities where students have staged bold actions in solidarity with Gaza. From sit-ins to walkouts, students across the country are demanding their institutions take a clear stand against what they describe as genocide and apartheid.
Social media flooded with photos of the Cornell banner. Many praised the students’ courage, while others criticized the protest, calling it disruptive and inappropriate.
No Signs of Backing Down
Despite the federal funding freeze and disciplinary measures, student activists at Cornell say they won’t stay silent. “We hung this banner to make sure Gaza is not forgotten,” said one protester, who asked to remain anonymous. “We will continue to speak out, no matter the consequences.”
University officials have not commented on the banner or the students involved in the latest protest. However, growing unrest suggests tensions on campus are far from over.
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