Kotlikoff Drives Into Student and Recent Grad Following ‘Harassment’

Key Points:

• Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff drove his car into two Students for a Democratic Cornell (SDC) members after a debate on the Israel-Palestine conflict, injuring one student's foot, according to video footage and student accounts.
• Kotlikoff described the incident as harassment by students who were shouting, blocking, and banging on his car, but video evidence contradicts claims that the vehicle was touched before he reversed.
• The students involved said they were peacefully attempting to discuss free speech policies with Kotlikoff and accused him of being dismissive and disrespectful, while Kotlikoff's email characterized them as known disruptive protesters.
• Following the incident, Cornell Emergency Medical Services treated the injured student on site, but no charges have been filed; the students expressed fear of pressing charges due to Kotlikoff's position and disputed his public statements.
• The university acknowledged the video evidence but continues to support Kotlikoff's account, highlighting ongoing tensions between student activists and administration over free expression and campus policies.