Cornell University's recent $260,000 grant to support Afrika Bambaattaa’s record collection archive and legacy along with its decision to invite him to serve as a visiting professor indicates broad support for his involvement with our youth.

As one of the nation's highest-rated and most lauded academic institutions we feel that it is the responsibility of Cornell University to address the claims of sexual abuse on minors made by multiple individuals against famed hip-hop DJ and cultural icon Afrika Bambaataa.

Addressing these claims (as reported by the NY Daily News) is even more important when considering the fact that the alleged sexual abuse claims involved underage children. Cornell University is a gateway for young minds and is a crucial component in the formation of the character of young leaders as they enter society.

It is incumbent upon the university to immediately address these allegations and sever its ties with Afrika Bambaataa until these claims have been definitively and without equivocation resolved.