An event featuring Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was held at Cornell University where debates arose over a chant led by hosts. The slogan “from the river to the sea” was sung by the crowd, which some interpret as controversial.
The event, hosted by Cornell’s Young Democratic Socialists of America, was part of a “Students vs. Billionaires” town hall. Mina Petrova, the group’s president, and co-chair Zoe Reisman led roughly 2,000 attendees in the chant following a statement supporting student activism and resistance.
“Cornell is fundamentally a capitalist institution that prioritizes billionaires and profit over students and community,” Petrova told the crowd, receiving applause.
The Democratic Socialists of America’s Liberation Caucus made it clear they would not endorse Ocasio-Cortez for a potential 2028 presidential bid. Their stance is partially due to the controversial statements and positions associated with the event.
Reisman expressed, “We have a responsibility to stand with oppressed peoples everywhere. Student activism is not dead. Long live student resistance.” Their comments left a strong impact on the audience.
When questioned about the slogans, the YDSA did not respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
When Ocasio-Cortez spoke, she remained unapologetic about the chants and messages, criticizing Cornell for alleged censorship on various issues.
“Whether it’s Palestine, unions, or other issues, we must react to censorship,” she said. “When united, they cannot suppress us all.”
A key goal for AOC’s campaign is enhancing voter turnout in Democrat-dominated areas. However, polling indicates a general unfavorable view of the Democratic Socialists of America among the public.
A recent Fox News Poll revealed that 55% of registered voters perceive the DSA negatively, while about 30% view the group positively. Despite growth among Democrats, skepticism persists nationally about the socialist movement.
This sentiment aligns with Republican strategies for upcoming elections, positioning the midterms as more than a simple vote on current leadership.
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