Why are Cornell students protesting? - Word on the Street

Momodou Taal, a British PhD student at Cornell, is facing suspension and potential deportation following his participation in a pro-Palestinian protest on September 18.

The protest targeted a career fair featuring defense contractors such as Boeing and L3Harris. Cornell’s administration has accused Taal and other protesters of disrupting the event, leading to disciplinary action that could force Taal to leave the U.S. due to his F-1 visa status.

Taal’s supporters argue that the university’s response is politically motivated given his prominent role as an advocate for Palestine.

While Cornell maintains that it is adhering to federal regulations regarding visa compliance, Taal’s supporters have called for his reinstatement and accused the university of targeting him unfairly.