Cornell University Faces Backlash Over Hasan Piker Speaking Engagement

Hasan Piker, a prominent Twitch streamer known for his controversial political commentary, is facing backlash ahead of a scheduled speaking engagement at Cornell University. The event, part of the "Students Not Bombs" campaign, is slated for September 24 and is being organized by the university's chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA), and Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP).

Critics have voiced strong opposition to Piker's presence on campus. Grinspoon Hillel at Cornell released a statement calling Piker's commentary "repulsive" and antithetical to the values of Americans and Jews. "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 statement read.

William Jacobson, a clinical professor at Cornell Law School, described Piker's invitation as part of a broader "campaign of intimidation" by anti-Israel groups on campus, a tactic he claims has intensified since October 7. Jacobson pointed to a history of disruptions during events featuring conservative speakers at Cornell, including Rick Santorum, Michael Johns, and Ann Coulter. In 2016, Santorum was heckled, with the event later described by him as demonstrating "liberal intolerance." In 2017, an event with Johns was moved to private to avoid protests, though protesters reportedly still gathered outside.

Ann Coulter's 2022 appearance was cut short due to protests, leading to the removal of eight attendees. While a subsequent appearance by Coulter in 2024 did not involve the same level of disruption, a faculty member was arrested for disorderly behavior.

A spokesperson for Cornell University stated that guest speakers invited by student groups undergo a safety review but are not subject to content approval. The university emphasized that "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." Cornell added that it "will respond appropriately to any reports of discrimination, incitement, or disruption."

Jacobson criticized The Cornell Daily Sun's characterization of Piker as a "left-wing political commentator," arguing that such descriptions downplay the incendiary nature of his remarks. Piker has previously made controversial statements, including one suggesting that America "deserved" 9/11, although he later walked back and apologized for the remark. He is also a known critic of Israel and U.S. foreign policy.

In response to Jacobson's critique, The Cornell Daily Sun stated that their initial article detailed the controversy surrounding Piker, including his past statements on 9/11 and comments on Israel and American Jews. The student newspaper affirmed its commitment to thoroughly reporting on the event and ensuring that the voices of affected students are heard.

Jacobson clarified that his aim is not to cancel the event but to foster an open dialogue 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," Jacobson told Fox News Digital.