Momodou Taal, a Gambian Ph.D. candidate in African studies and a graduate student at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, is facing the risk of deportation after the university suspended him, along with other international students, for participating in a series of protests in support of Palestine.
A local newspaper report monitored by Alkamba Times indicates that Taal was suspended after a September 18 protest under a new policy seeking to quash Gaza solidarity actions. Taal joined student-led actions demanding that Cornell divest from industries complicit in Israel’s attacks on civilians in Gaza.
In an interview with a local U.S. newspaper, The Nation.com, and When asked if the University had accused him of pushing police officers, Taal responded, “Yes, which is not true. I can say categorically that I shoved no police officer, nor did I not listen to a lawful directive, like they’re claiming.”
Asked about why he felt he was targeted, he said, “They’ve identified who they think are leaders [of the pro-Palestine movement on campus], and therefore [they] are trying to make an example out of me.”
The F-1 visa program allows foreign nationals to reside in the United States if they are enrolled in an academic educational program, a language training program, or a vocational program. Those with F-1 visas can work on campus and in limited off-campus training positions.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, suspension from an academic program is a valid reason to terminate a record that changes the immigration status of someone holding an F-1 visa.
According to the newspaper reports, Cornell University did not respond to questions about its policies and procedures regarding suspending a student with an F-1 visa.
“I’m trying to fight this—to at least have an investigation and due process,” said Taal. “I’m not asking for anything special; I’m asking for Cornell to follow their procedure” by conducting an official investigation in which he would be able to respond to any claims.
According to the paper, the Cornell Graduate Student Union said, “No investigation was conducted before the discipline of temporary suspension was issued to Momodou.”
The union issued a press release on Tuesday, explaining that it is demanding a bargain with Cornell University over the effects of the suspension.
