To the University Faculty Senate and the Board of Trustees:

We, the undersigned members of the Cornell University community, urgently bring to your attention a deeply troubling incident that profoundly contradicts our esteemed institution's core values and ethical standards. In light of the incident, we petition for the dismissal of Associate Professor of History Russell Rickford based on his inappropriate, offensive, divisive remarks regarding a tragic loss of life and international human rights violations.

Details of the Incident:

Associate Professor Rickford was caught on camera during a pro-Palestine rally in Ithaca, NY, expressing that Hamas' terror attack on Israel – which resulted in the loss of over 1,400 lives – was "exhilarating" and "energizing." His remarks, which celebrated the massacre of innocent civilians, were posted online and have caused immense distress and division within our community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp71aDYRJjA&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecollegefix.com%2F&source_ve_path=OTY3MTQ&feature=emb_imp_woyt

Basis for the Petition:

Violation of Cornell's Core Values:

- Purposeful Discovery: Professor Rickford's comments, rather than fostering a purposeful discourse, deepen divisions and promote a disregard for the value of human life.

- Free and Open Inquiry and Expression: While the university values free and open expression, Professor Rickford's remarks transcend academic freedom. The AAUP 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure writes that instructors hold a "special position" and consequently have a "special obligation" to remember that the public may judge its institution by their "utterances." These remarks diminish Cornell's reputation. Furthermore, the video was taken in the Ithaca Commons Bernie Milton Pavillion during a pro-Palestine demonstration. This past Sunday, October 15th, Students for Justice in Palestine (Cornell) held a demonstration at that exact location. It is rational to assume that is where the incident took place. If that holds true, Professor Rickford's attendance at a Cornell Group event is in violation of the AAUP's Academic Freedom condition that instructors "should make every effort to indicate that they are not speaking for the institution." Cornell should not be painted as an institution that celebrates violence and supports a terrorist organization that calls for the murder of Jewish people around the globe. (Reuters) (TimesofIsreal). Professor Rickford should not express joy for a civillian massacre at an event hosted by a Cornell University campus group.

- A Community of Belonging: His comments create a hostile and unwelcoming environment for the Jewish community, the Israeli community, and international students hailing from the 29 countries whose citizens were murdered, injured, or kidnapped as a result of the attack. (The Washington Post)

Violation of Policy 6.4 – Prohibited Bias, Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual and Related Misconduct:

- Hostile Environment: Professor Rickford's comments have created a hostile environment, given the severity, pervasive nature, and offensiveness of his speech. His remarks were directed at an entire nation and a significant community within Cornell. The fear of violence and academic discrimination can deny "a person equal access to the university's education programs or activities." Students should be able to express their religious affiliation on campus without fearing hate crimes. They should also be able to enroll in any and every course without the fear of a professor's bias toward their protected group affecting their academic assessment or learning environment. They should, at minimum, be allowed to enter a lecture hall believing that their instructor sees their lives as valuable. When so many Cornell students are already experiencing psychological stress that impacts their academic performance, these remarks will only exacerbate the ever-present mental health crisis.

Given the inherent power differential between professors and students, his words hold considerable weight. They can be perceived as intimidating or oppressive to students, alums, faculty, and staff who are connected to the victims of the Hamas Terrorist attack. Furthermore, his justification of the Hamas terrorist attacks as a tool to shift the balance of power could lead to violent targeting of the Cornell Jewish community. His position of authority should be used to protect students rather than increase their vulnerability.

While we deeply value academic freedom and open discourse, there are bounds of decency, respect, and integrity that must not be crossed. All members of the Cornell Community should feel safe and welcome within our halls. There is never a justification for terrorism. We urge the Cornell University administration to consider our petition and uphold our institution's esteemed values and ethical standards by dismissing Professor Russell Rickford.