Cornell University is under fire after inviting R&B artist Kehlani to perform on campus in May, a decision that has sparked outrage from some students and advocacy groups who accuse the singer of promoting antisemitic views, according to the New York Post.

Kehlani, a multi-Grammy-nominated performer, has faced criticism for sharing a music video that begins with the phrase “Long live the Intifada,” which detractors argue encourages violence against Israelis and Jews. She has also reportedly posted a map omitting Israel and has not publicly condemned Hamas following the October 7, 2023 terror attacks.

The controversy comes at a tense time for Cornell, which is currently facing a freeze on $1 billion in federal funding. The Trump administration imposed the freeze as part of a civil rights probe into alleged antisemitic discrimination and harassment on campus.

Amanda Silberstein, president of the Chabad Center at Cornell and a junior at the university, voiced her dismay, stating, “Kehlani isn’t just an artist with controversial views — she is someone who has publicly glorified violence against Jews and consistently promoted dangerous, antisemitic rhetoric that directly threatens our community.” Silberstein argued that the university’s decision to host Kehlani undermines its stated commitment to inclusion and student safety, calling the move “deeply isolating” for Jewish students.

“By inviting someone with such a deeply troubling history of antisemitism to headline one of our most high-profile campus events, Cornell is sending a message that Jewish safety and wellbeing are negotiable,” she said.

StopAntisemitism, an advocacy group, also condemned Cornell’s invitation, referencing Kehlani’s social media activity and her “Next 2 U” music video, which they claim glorifies violence by the Palestinian group Hamas. The organization accused Kehlani of supporting Hamas and using inflammatory language against Israel and its people.

Liora Rez, the founder of StopAntisemitism, criticized Cornell for “doubling down” by selecting Kehlani as the headliner for a major campus event. Rez questioned why Jewish students are not afforded the same protections as other marginalized groups on campus.

In response to the criticism, Cornell University defended the decision, explaining that Kehlani was chosen by a student-run board based on a poll of student preferences. A university spokesperson clarified that Kehlani’s personal opinions do not represent the institution, and that the artist is contractually required to comply with Cornell’s anti-discrimination policies, which ban political statements during the concert. Any violation, the university said, would result in a breach of contract and forfeiture of payment.

Kehlani’s representatives reportedly did not respond to requests for comment. The campus has recently seen several anti-Israel protests and incidents, including threats against Jewish students—one of which reportedly resulted in a student pleading guilty to making such threats online.