CAIR Designates Cornell University a ‘Hostile Campus’ for Systematic Repression of Pro-Palestinian Students
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/19/25) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced the designation of Cornell University as a “Hostile Campus” due to its escalating repression of Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, and allied students and faculty who speak out against Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
“Cornell’s actions are not just failures of leadership; they are acts of targeted censorship, stifling diverse perspectives,” said Dr. Maryam Hasan, Research and Advocacy Specialist at CAIR. “When universities discipline students for protesting genocide, they are silencing voices speaking for justice and the human rights of all.”
CAIR-New York’s Executive Director, Afaf Nasher, said in a statement:
"Cornell University’s designation as a hostile campus reflects a disheartening trend of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian aggression by university administrations. Universities must uphold their responsibility to create inclusive and safe spaces for Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian students. We remain steadfast in our commitment to preserving free speech on college campuses and student activism amidst the ongoing genocide in Gaza. We hope that prospective students and parents, as well as alumni, reflect upon these hostile campus designations in their determination on what institutions are deserving of their support."
SEE: CAIR DESIGNATES CORNELL U. A HOSTILE CAMPUS
Earlier this year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report “Unconstitutional Crackdowns,” which reveals that Islamophobia continues to be at an all-time high across the country. CAIR said viewpoint discrimination against those speaking out against genocide and apartheid was a key factor in many cases.
BACKGROUNDER:
Between March 2024 and April 2025, Cornell repeatedly punished peaceful student activists with arrests, suspensions, surveillance, and multi-year bans. In March 2024, 22 students were reportedly arrested during a nonviolent protest demanding divestment from weapons companies supplying Israel. In April, four students involved in a peaceful encampment were suspended and barred from campus. One international student publicly condemned Cornell for discrimination due to his immigration status, stating that free speech “comes at a much higher cost” for non-citizens.
In September 2024, Cornell used surveillance footage to discipline nearly 20 students who protested the defense contractors’ career fair. Three who were later named, the “Statler Three,” were arrested and suspended. Four were reportedly banned from campus for three years. One student activist called it “a scare tactic” to silence dissent.
SEE: WILSON | CUPD Arrested Three Students for Nonviolent Protest. This is Their Movement’s Statement.
Meanwhile, Cornell Board Chair Kraig Kayser profited from investments in weapons manufacturers named in the student divestment campaign, exposing a clear conflict of interest as students were punished for protesting those ties.
SEE: Cornell Board of Trustees Chair Makes Millions off Weapons Manufacturer He Helps Direct
In March 2025, Ph.D. candidate Momodou Taal had his student visa revoked and was ordered to surrender to ICE following his political activism. He was forced to leave the U.S., abandon his degree, and withdraw a civil rights lawsuit. Cornell reportedly failed to intervene.
SEE: Federal judge hears arguments in Cornell grad student’s lawsuit against Trump
These events reveal an alarming pattern of administrative retaliation, selective enforcement, and complicity in federal repression. Cornell has failed to protect its most vulnerable students while rewarding those who profit from war.
Cornell joins a growing list of universities across the country that have suppressed students advocating against apartheid, genocide, and U.S.-backed military occupation. To read more about CAIR’s Unhostile Campus campaign and how to take action, visit: https://islamophobia.org/reportcampus/
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, CAIR-NY, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com; CAIR-NY Communications Team, comms@ny.cair.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com