‘Violent and threatening’ emails target Cornell University

Leaders at Cornell University on Thursday asked members of their community to come forward with any information on who was circulating threatening “violent and threatening” emails that purported to originate from the college’s president, Michael Kotlikoff.

“This false email, which emanated from an overseas account, targets Jewish and LGBTQIA+ communities with vile antisemitic and homophobic language,” the notice read. “University leaders immediately reached out to offer support and resources.”

The brief notice — signed by Dave Honan, associate vice president for public safety; Ben Maddox, chief information officer; and Bobby Edamala, chief information security officer — goes on to say that the college’s Information Technology Security office and police were investigating “this ugly and threatening email.” They added that the issue has been reported to the FBI.

Hateful emails are occasionally circulated to university students, faculty and administrators. In 2022, a group calling itself “Harvard Straight Pride” sent emails to Harvard students laced with homophobic slurs and anti-gay tropes, concluding with a message supporting President Donald Trump: “Cambridge is MAGA Country.”