Cornell Is Investigating Confrontation Between President and Students
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Cornell University trustees announced an investigation into an April 30 incident where President Michael Kotlikoff bumped into students with his car following a debate on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- The incident occurred after a group of students confronted Kotlikoff about the suspension of pro-Palestinian demonstrators, leading to him reversing his vehicle and making contact with one student, who was not seriously injured.
- An ad hoc special committee has been established to oversee the investigation, with Kotlikoff recusing himself from the process and related university decisions.
- The event underscores ongoing tensions on college campuses regarding the Israel-Hamas war, despite a decline in large-scale protests in 2024.
- The debate included notable figures such as Norman Finkelstein and highlighted disputes over the university’s handling of pro-Palestinian student activism, including disciplinary actions against leaders like Ph.D. student Momodou Taal.
