Cornell President Accused By Student of Running Over His Foot in the Parking Lot Following Heated Exchange: Reports

**Cornell University President Accused of Running Over Student’s Foot Amid Protest**

Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff has found himself at the centre of controversy following allegations that he ran over a student’s foot with his car during an incident on campus. The incident unfolded on April 30 after Kotlikoff attended a debate on Israel-Palestine hosted at Goldwin Smith Hall, which was co-sponsored by various student organisations, including Cornell Progressives and Students for Justice in Palestine.

In a statement posted on the university’s website, Kotlikoff described the event as “civil” and a testament to the open discourse that is highly valued within the institution. However, the atmosphere quickly changed after the debate concluded, as Kotlikoff claimed he was approached outside the venue by a group of students and non-students known for their previous confrontational behaviour towards university administration.

The university president detailed his experience, stating that as he made his way to his vehicle, he was followed closely by members of the group, who began filming him on their mobile phones and questioning him about the topics discussed during the debate. He recounted that despite his requests for them to cease recording, the group remained persistent, responding with “No, we are not going to stop.”

Kotlikoff characterised the group’s behaviour as harassment and intimidation rather than legitimate protest. “The behaviour I experienced last night is not protest. It is harassment and intimidation, with the direct motive of silencing speech,” he stated, emphasising that such actions have no place in an academic environment or a democracy.

As he attempted to exit the parking lot, he reported being surrounded by the group, which included individuals banging on his car windows and blocking his path. Kotlikoff used the rear pedestrian alert and automatic braking system in his vehicle to slowly manoeuvre out of the space. Surveillance footage released by the university shows a vehicle, identified as Kotlikoff’s, starting with individuals standing behind it, some still recording.

In a recording obtained by WSYR-TV, a student can be heard shouting, “You just ran over my f—ing foot!” suggesting that the situation escalated dramatically as he attempted to leave. Following the incident, the group called Students for a Democratic Cornell issued a statement claiming that Kotlikoff’s actions were indicative of a disregard for students’ rights and responsible campus behaviour. They allege that he “hit us with his car to avoid answering for his crackdown on students’ rights” and claimed that injuries were sustained by two individuals.

Responding to the situation, a spokesperson for Cornell University confirmed that an investigation into the events surrounding the incident is currently underway. The university indicated that it would take appropriate actions based on the findings of the investigation, conducted under policies designed to maintain a safe campus environment.

In the aftermath of this troubling occurrence, Students for a Democratic Cornell is demanding a meeting with university administrators to discuss their concerns further. They express a desire for an open dialogue around campus speech policies and the issues surrounding non-violent protests.

Kotlikoff’s statement and the subsequent developments highlight the ongoing tensions regarding freedom of speech and protest within academic settings, as universities continue to grapple with balancing free expression with maintaining a respectful and safe environment for all members of their communities. The university community is now awaiting the results of the investigation and the implications it may have for dialogue and campus policy in the future.

As the situation unfolds, many are left reflecting on the broader implications of such incidents, both for the individuals involved and for the future of open discourse at Cornell University and beyond.