Cornell president accused of backing car into protester says he was victim of 'harassment'
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff claimed he was subjected to "harassment and intimidation" after protesters followed him to his car and surrounded it following a Middle East crisis debate on campus.
- Kotlikoff stated he used his car’s rear pedestrian alert and automatic braking system to slowly back out of the parking space, denying intentional contact with protesters.
- Students for a Democratic Cornell countered that Kotlikoff was dismissive of dialogue attempts and backed his car into a student, running over another’s foot, who received medical attention on-site.
- The student group expressed concern about potential retaliation against the injured student for pressing charges against university leadership.
- Cornell University is investigating the incident, noting not all involved are current students, and pledged to take appropriate action to maintain campus safety.
