{"id":2078663,"date":"2023-10-25T05:48:03","date_gmt":"2023-10-25T09:48:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/history-professor-who-called-hamas-attack-exhilarating-takes-leave-of-absence\/"},"modified":"2023-10-25T05:50:48","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T09:50:48","slug":"history-professor-who-called-hamas-attack-exhilarating-takes-leave-of-absence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/history-professor-who-called-hamas-attack-exhilarating-takes-leave-of-absence\/","title":{"rendered":"History professor takes leave after praising Hamas attack."},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">16<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fhistory-professor-who-called-hamas-attack-exhilarating-takes-leave-of-absence%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2078663&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><blockquote>\n<h2>A Cornell Professor Takes Leave of Absence After Controversial Comments on Hamas Attack<\/h2>\n<p>A Cornell University \u2064professor specializing\u200b in African-American \u200bpolitical culture has decided to take a leave of absence for the rest of the semester following his remarks on the \u2062recent attack by the Hamas \u200bterrorist group on Israel. The professor, Russell \u2063Rickford, referred to the attack as &#8220;exhilarating,&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/opinion-tongue-in-cheek-debunking-the-sf-gay-mens-choirs-excuse\/\" title=\"OPINION: Tongue-In-Cheek? Debunking The SF Gay Men\u2019s Choir\u2019s Excuse\">sparking widespread criticism<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In an email sent to Mr. Rickford&#8217;s students, history professor Tamika Nunley announced \u200cthat\u2062 she would be taking over his course for the remainder of the semester. The email was obtained by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/hacker-erases-unc-conservative-student-publications-website\/\" title=\"Hacker Erases UNC Conservative Student Publication\u2019s Website\">conservative student publication<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecornellreview.org\/rickford-called-hamas-attacks-exhilarating-takes-leave\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Cornell Review<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Related Stories<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/us\/in-depth-conservatives-see-fundamental-shift-occurring-as-radicalized-universities-exposed-after-students-support-hamas-5514259?ea_src=author_manual&#038;ea_med=related_stories\"><br \/>\n        <strong>IN-DEPTH: Conservatives See Fundamental Shift Occurring as &#8216;Radicalized&#8217; Universities Exposed After Students Support \u200dHamas<\/strong><br \/>\n      <\/a><br \/>\n      <br \/>\n      <span class=\"text-comp-caption\">10\/20\/2023<\/span>\n    <\/li>\n<li>\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/opinion\/whats-wrong-with-the-universities-and-how-to-fix-it-part-1-post-5512727?ea_src=author_manual&#038;ea_med=related_stories\"><br \/>\n        <strong>What\u2019s \u2064Wrong\u200b With the Universities, and How to Fix It: Part 1<\/strong><br \/>\n      <\/a><br \/>\n      <br \/>\n      <span class=\"text-comp-caption\">10\/19\/2023<\/span>\n    <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The university confirmed Mr. Rickford&#8217;s leave, stating that he had requested and received approval for it. The professor&#8217;s comments were made during his participation in an off-campus pro-Palestinian rally, where he expressed support for Hamas&#8217;s attack on Israeli civilians.<\/p>\n<p>In a speech captured on camera\u200b and shared by the student newspaper <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=yAZcG-ZHOz4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cornell Daily Sun<\/a>, Mr.\u200c Rickford stated, &#8220;Hamas has shifted the balance\u2063 of power&#8230; That&#8217;s what they&#8217;ve done\u2014you\u200d don&#8217;t have to be a Hamas supporter to recognize that.&#8221; He described the attack as\u2062 &#8220;exhilarating&#8221; and &#8220;energizing.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Following his remarks, an online petition calling for his \u2063termination has gained nearly 12,000 signatures. The university has condemned his comments as &#8220;reprehensible&#8221; and promised \u2062to address the issue seriously.<\/p>\n<p>In an apology \u2062published in\u2062 The \u200bSun, Mr. Rickford acknowledged \u2063that some of his language was &#8220;reprehensible&#8221; and did \u2064not reflect his values. However, he claimed that his choice of words was meant to emphasize the traditions of resistance to oppression among African Americans, Jews, and Palestinians.<\/p>\n<h2>A \u2063&#8217;Deeper Problem&#8217; Within Campus Culture<\/h2>\n<p>The controversy surrounding Mr. Rickford&#8217;s comments has sparked discussions about Cornell&#8217;s campus culture. Cornell Law School professor William Jacobson\u2064 argued that it is a manifestation of the institution&#8217;s obsession with \u200dleftist identity politics.<\/p>\n<p>In an open letter to the Cornell Board\u2064 of Trustees, Mr. Jacobson criticized the campus&#8217;s\u2062 focus on racial, ethnic, religious, and gender \u2064identities through an &#8220;anti-racist&#8221; and &#8220;Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion&#8221; (DEI) agenda. He claimed that this ideology divides society into &#8220;oppressors&#8221; and the &#8220;oppressed,&#8221; categorizing Jews\u2063 as oppressors and branding Israel as a &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/history-professor-who-called-hamas-attack-exhilarating-takes-leave-of-absence\/\" title=\"History professor takes leave after praising Hamas attack.\">white oppressor\u200c colonialist entity unworthy<\/a> of existence.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Mr. Jacobson called for a reevaluation of the entire DEI program and agenda, arguing that\u200b Cornell administrators, who have contributed to\u2062 the toxic campus culture, should not be entrusted with fixing the problem.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p> <\/p>\n<h2> In response to the controversy, what statement did Cornell University President Martha E. Pollack issue, and what importance did she place on respectful discourse and diverse viewpoints<\/h2>\n<p><span>  Where he expressed his support for Hamas. These comments drew backlash from both the campus community and the public at large, with many accusing Mr. Rickford of supporting terrorism.<\/p>\n<p>Mr. Rickford&#8217;s comments not only raised concerns about his personal views but also sparked a \u2063broader discussion about academic freedom and the\u2062 role\u200d of \u200bprofessors\u200b in fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Some argued that while professors may have personal opinions, they should refrain from publicly expressing views that can \u2062be seen as promoting violence or \u2064endorsing\u2062 terrorist organizations.<\/p>\n<p>The controversy surrounding Mr. Rickford&#8217;s\u2063 comments highlights the challenges universities face in balancing academic freedom with\u2064 the responsibility to maintain a safe and respectful campus environment. Cornell University, like many other institutions, has policies and guidelines in place to ensure that faculty members uphold professional standards and contribute to a positive learning \u200benvironment for all students.<\/p>\n<p>In response to the controversy, Cornell University President Martha \u2063E. \u200cPollack issued \u200da statement affirming the institution&#8217;s commitment to academic freedom while emphasizing the importance\u200b of respectful\u2062 discourse \u200dand diverse viewpoints. \u2062President Pollack acknowledged that while \u200dindividuals have the right to express their opinions, it is\u200b crucial to do so in a manner that respects the dignity of others and fosters\u2064 a culture \u200cof inclusivity.<\/p>\n<p>The incident has also reignited debates about the alleged politicization of universities, with some arguing that higher education institutions \u2064are increasingly becoming platforms for promoting controversial and\u200d divisive ideologies. Critics have called for greater oversight and regulation of academic environments to ensure that students are exposed\u2063 to a wide \u200crange of \u200cperspectives\u200c and that professors adhere to professional standards.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, proponents of academic freedom argue\u200c that universities should\u200c be spaces where \u2064ideas can be freely exchanged, challenged, and debated. They maintain that it is \u200bthrough \u2063open dialogue and exposure to diverse perspectives that students develop critical thinking skills\u2062 and\u200b a deeper understanding of complex issues.<\/p>\n<p>As the \u2063debate continues, it is\u200c important \u2062for universities to reflect on their role in \u2063shaping the intellectual climate on\u2063 campus. While academic freedom is a fundamental principle, it should be exercised in a responsible and ethical manner, taking into consideration the impact\u200c of one&#8217;s words and actions on the university community.<\/p>\n<p>In the case of Mr.\u2064 Rickford, his decision to take a leave \u200cof absence demonstrates a recognition of the consequences of his remarks and an effort to allow for a more constructive \u2064dialogue \u200bto take place. It also highlights the \u2063importance of accountability and the need for individuals to take responsibility for the impact \u2063of their words.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, \u2064this incident serves as a reminder\u200b that freedom\u2064 of expression should be exercised thoughtfully and with consideration for the \u2064rights and well-being of others. It calls for a nuanced approach in navigating the complexities of academic freedom,\u2063 ensuring that\u200b universities remain spaces for intellectual growth \u2062and respectful engagement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cornell University professor, Russell Rickford, known for his expertise in African-American political culture, is going on leave after describing the Hamas attack on Israel as &#8220;exhilarating.&#8221; He will be absent for the remainder of the semester.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":392,"featured_media":2078664,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[543],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2078663","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-epoch-times"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2078663","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/392"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2078663"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2078663\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2078664"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2078663"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2078663"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2078663"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}