ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — A Cornell professor is under fire for publicly expressing support for Hamas.

Over the weekend, Professor Russell Rickford spoke at a rally in downtown Ithaca. He reportedly described Hamas’ attacks on Israel as “exhilarating.”

Cornell President Martha Pollack says Rickford’s remark does not reflect the university, calling the comment “reprehensible” that “demonstrates no regard whatsoever for humanity.” Pollack adds the statement is under review.

Rickford is an associate professor of history at Cornell.

Statement by Cornell University President Martha E. Pollack and Cornell University Board of Trustees Chair Kraig H. Kayser

“We learned yesterday of comments that Professor Russell Rickford made over the weekend at an off-campus rally where he described the Hamas terrorist attacks as “exhilarating.” This is a reprehensible comment that demonstrates no regard whatsoever for humanity. As we said in yesterday’s statement, endorsed by senior leadership of the Board of Trustees, any members of our community who have made such statements do not speak for Cornell; in fact, they speak in direct opposition to all we stand for at Cornell. The university is taking this incident seriously and is currently reviewing it consistent with our procedures.”