The president of Cornell University has faced accusations of reckless driving after a group of protesters, including students, claimed his vehicle struck one of their members during a confrontation that followed an Israel-Palestine debate hosted by the campus.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Thursday when a cluster of students followed university president Michael Kotlikoff to his car after the debate concluded.
One student stated that Kotlikoff’s car hit them and ran over their foot while they were attempting to engage in peaceful dialogue with the president.
Aiden Vallecillo, a member of Students for a Democratic Cornell, said: “As we were still trying to talk to him, he just immediately started reversing into us.”
Kotlikoff responded that the protesters had been known on campus for a history of verbal and online abuse against university administration and staff, as well as disruptive protests that led to bans for some individuals. He alleged they banged on his car windows, refused to stop questioning him, and blocked the vehicle.
The president explained that he waited until he saw space behind his car and then used his vehicle’s rear pedestrian alert and automatic braking system to slowly maneuver away from the parking spot and exit the lot.
Sophia Arnold, president of Students for a Democratic Cornell, expressed shock at Kotlikoff’s actions, stating she was “pretty shocked and offended” and that “a random pedestrian pulling out of a supermarket parking lot would probably have shown more care.”
Kotlikoff concluded in his statement that the behavior he experienced was not protest but harassment and intimidation with the direct motive of silencing speech. He asserted it had no place in an academic community, no place in a democracy, and none at Cornell.
It remains unclear whether an investigation is underway or if legal charges will be filed over the incident.
