Cornell University has garnered national attention for its unprecedented attempt to effectively deport Momodou Taal, an international student over his brief appearance at a nonviolent protest at the Statler Hotel. McBride leaked documents detailing the University’s attempts to slash financial aid costs to The Cornell Daily Sun. Under the leadership of Interim President Michael Kotlikoff, Cornell is once again punishing students who expose the institution’s hypocrisy — suspending freedom of expression and censoring dissenters to avoid discussions about divestment. However, Kotlikoff overreached in his attempt to impose what he viewed as absolute justice, thrusting Cornell into the national spotlight. Far from crushing dissent, these draconian measures have further galvanized the Cornell community to raise their voices to protect civil disobedience.
