Momodou Taal: A British-Gambian Scholar in the Midst of Controversy
Momodou Taal, a British-Gambian Ph.D. student at Cornell University, is currently facing the looming threat of deportation due to his active involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. When he first arrived at Cornell in 2022, he never anticipated becoming a central figure in an American protest movement. His primary focus was on his studies, teaching responsibilities, and advancing his dissertation, which explores the intricate themes of sovereignty and political economy in Guinea.
Politics is deeply rooted in his lineage; Momodou is the great-grandson of Gambia’s inaugural president, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara. His interest in the Palestinian cause has been longstanding, ignited during his teenage years. He even studied Arabic and Sharia law while in Cairo, which further fueled his understanding of the region’s complexities. However, when the conflict escalated in Gaza, Taal felt an irresistible pull toward the protests unfolding at Cornell’s campus.
In a recent phone interview, Taal reflected on his journey, stating, “On the day of the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, I felt compelled to express my solidarity. I posted online, ‘Glory to the Resistance.’” This statement marked the beginning of a series of repercussions, as Cornell University suspended him twice for his activist activities over the subsequent year.
As tensions heightened, a significant protest took shape on campus, featuring a multitude of tents erected on the lawn. This movement aimed to pressure the university into divesting its financial ties with companies implicated in the ongoing conflict. Taal emerged as one of the leaders of this initiative, demonstrating his commitment by refusing to disband the camp for a period of two weeks. His involvement did not go unnoticed; he later faced suspension for participating in a particularly unruly protest that drew significant attention.
