CAIR-NY Condemns Cornell University for Punishing an International Student for Speaking out Against War Crimes by Revoking his Student Visa
(NEW YORK, NY - 9/24/2024) — The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned Cornell University for suspending Momodou Taal, an international graduate student from the UK, who now faces deportation for participating in anti-genocide activities.
Taal attended a protest opposing at a career fair hosted at Cornell University last Wednesday. He then received an email on Monday informing him that he would be suspended for the second time, with the first suspension dating to his involvement in the campus solidarity encampments last school year.
As a result, Taal is no longer able to instruct the course “What is Blackness? Race and Processes of Racialization.” In a same-day meeting, Taal was handed a no-trespass order barring him from campus and his F-1 Visa was canceled.
SEE: Pro-Palestine International Student Says He Faces Deportation After Second Suspension
In a statement, CAIR-NY Supervising Attorney, Lamya Agarwala, Esq., stated:
“CAIR-NY is deeply concerned about the unjust treatment of Momodou Taal, a dedicated international graduate student who now faces potentially life-changing immigration consequences because of his activism in support of Palestinian human rights and against Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
“Cornell University’s decision to suspend Mr. Taaland effectively revoke his immigration status threatens Taal’s academic career and livelihood in the United States. The university’s decision also sends a chilling message to all international students who wish to engage in peaceful advocacy: speaking out against war crimes and honoring our nation’s tradition of dissent can cost you your education and life here in the United States.
“We stand with Mr. Taal and call for the immediate reversal of this suspension.”
Last week, CAIR-NY Condemned Nassau County Police for Arrest of Protester Wearing Keffiyeh Under New Mask Ban.
SEE: CAIR-NY Condemned Nassau County Police for Arrest of Protester Wearing Keffiyeh Under New Mask Ban.
CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT:
Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com;
Saira Amar, MPA, CAIR-NY Communications Coordinator, samar@cair.com