A coalition rallied in Ithaca after Cornell University stopped funding two international graduate workers who remain outside the United States, according to The Ithaca Voice.
Cornell Graduate Students United is seeking immigration support, a living wage, an end to austerity measures and larger university contributions to the community.
Momodou Taal and Amandla Thomas-Johnson left the country in March 2025 while facing potential deportation after participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations and are completing their studies in Cairo.
The union said Cornell told them to return for teaching jobs, find outside funding, continue without funding or take a leave of absence.
Cornell pointed to its shared-governance process and union contract, while rally organizers argued that its $11.8 billion endowment should do more for workers and local governments.
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