On September 24, Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, will host a speaking event featuring Twitch personality Hasan Piker. The event is organized by the campus chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine, Young Democratic Socialists of America and Jewish Voice for Peace as part of the “Students Not Bombs” campaign.
Local reaction highlights concerns about campus climate
Critics quickly voiced strong opposition. Hillel at Cornell described Piker’s commentary as “repulsive” and said his views run counter to American and Jewish values. “The university is a place to learn, to argue, to explore, and to debate. Mr. Piker’s views, however, go against our values as Americans and Jews, and his hateful, antisemitic rhetoric is repulsive,” the organization posted on social media.
William Jacobson, a clinical professor and director of the Securities Law Clinic at Cornell Law School, warned that the invitation reflects a broader “campaign of intimidation” by anti‑Israel groups on campus. He noted that such tactics have intensified since the October 7 attacks. “It’s not really surprising to me that the anti‑Israel groups on campus have invited as incendiary a speaker as Hasan Piker,” Jacobson told Fox News Digital.
Past campus disruptions provide context
Jacobson cited several prior incidents involving conservative speakers. In 2016, former U.S. senator Rick Santorum was heckled during a campus appearance. A 2017 event featuring Tea Party co‑founder Michael Johns was forced private after police warned of potential trouble, yet protesters still gathered outside. In 2022, commentator Ann Coulter was compelled to end her talk early after student protests, though a 2024 return saw fewer disruptions.
University officials emphasized that student‑hosted events do not carry official endorsement. “Guest speakers invited by student groups undergo a thorough review to ensure an event can be hosted safely. They are not subject to an approval process around content,” a spokesperson said. “The use of spaces by student groups does not represent an endorsement or approval of, or agreement with the theme of the event or the speech of its participants.”
Media coverage and campus dialogue
Jacobson also criticized The Cornell Daily Sun for downplaying Piker’s political stance, calling him merely a “left‑wing activist” when, in Jacobson’s view, he is “beyond left‑wing” and “incendiary.” He argued that such framing obscures why the event is controversial.
The student newspaper defended its coverage, noting it has published multiple articles on the controversy, including Piker’s past statement that America “deserved” 9/11 and his recent remarks on Israel and American Jews. The outlet said it aims to present the full story and give voice to affected students.
Calls for constructive conversation
Jacobson clarified he is not demanding cancellation of the event, but hopes it sparks an honest conversation about political polarization on campus. “In some sense, I am glad they invited him, because maybe now we can have an honest conversation on campus about how poisonous the movement is that is bringing him to campus,” he said.
Fox News Digital reached out to Piker and the “Students Not Bombs” organizers for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
