'Keep this trend going': Internet rejoices as Cornell President Martha Pollack quits after getting called out over campus antisemitism

ITHACA, NEW YORK: Cornell University's President, Martha Pollack, recently stepped down from her position after seven years, amid mounting pressure following prolonged antisemitic protests on campus.

In an email circulated throughout the university, Pollack emphasized that her resignation was a personal choice, detached from the ongoing political atmosphere or accusations of mishandling antisemitic incidents, as per Daily Mail.

Cornell President Martha Pollack resigns amid rising incidents of campus antisemitic

Pollack clarified, "I understand that there will be lots of speculation about my decision, so let me be as clear as I can: This decision is mine and mine alone."

Expressing readiness for a new phase in her life after decades in academia and research, Pollack affirmed, "After seven fruitful and gratifying years as Cornell's president — and after a career in research and academia spanning five decades — I'm ready for a new chapter in my life."

Her last day in office is scheduled for June 30, after which the university provost, Michael I Kotlikoff, would be assuming the interim presidency for about two years, as announced by the board.

Pollack's resignation came amidst mounting pressure from a prominent Cornell donor, Jon Lindseth, who threatened to withdraw his financial support in January unless the university abandoned its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

In an open letter to the Board of Trustees, Lindseth, a 1956 graduate, expressed alarm over the "diminished quality of education" at his alma mater due to its "misguided commitment" to DEI policies, which he claimed had "infiltrated" every aspect of the university.

Despite facing criticism for his stance on DEI, Lindseth maintained his support for marginalized communities at Cornell while condemning Pollack's handling of antisemitic incidents, labeling it as "shameful."

Pollack's tenure was marked by a series of antisemitic incidents that rocked the Cornell campus in the wake of Hamas' attack on Israel in October of 2023.

Internet celebrates the news of Martha Pollack's resignation

The news of Pollack's resignation was met with widespread celebration on social media. One X user said, "All woke and dei college presidents must go. They have done immeasurable harm to their students." Another user remarked, "Good riddance."

A user wrote, "1 DOWN, MANY, MANY MORE TO GO," while another user added, "Let's keep this trend going." "Good. These east coast schools need leadership, not spineless jellyfish. If you don't know what to do, copy successful leaders like Sasse at UF. But if you're not up to the task, resign," stated one user.

"A bunch of overpaid clowns," expressed one user. "Thank God... now Penn, MIT, Columbia, NYU and every other radical university. Otherwise, withdrawal funding," commented a user. Another user quipped, "The dominoes are about to fall."

 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.