Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff is accused of running over a student’s foot after a confrontation outside a campus Israel–Palestine debate on April 30. Kotlikoff says a group surrounded his car and that he backed out slowly using his vehicle’s pedestrian alert and automatic braking system. Surveillance and cellphone footage show people behind the vehicle and a student alleging their foot was run over. Students for a Democratic Cornell say two students were injured and have called for talks; Cornell has launched an investigation.
Cornell President Accused Of Running Over Student's Foot After Heated Campus Exchange — University Investigating
Cornell University president in campus parking lotCredit: Cornell University
On April 30, Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff was accused by a student of running over the student’s foot after a confrontation following an Israel–Palestine debate at Goldwin Smith Hall. The university released surveillance footage and cellphone video that appear to show people standing behind a vehicle believed to be the president’s; in one clip a student is heard shouting, "You just ran over my f---ing foot!"
Kotlikoff issued a statement on May 1 describing the debate as "civil" but saying the situation escalated as he left the event. He said a group of students and non-students followed him, filmed him on their phones and confronted him in the hallway. According to his statement, some of the individuals are "known to Cornell for their past conduct," including a history of verbal and online abuse and prior disruptive protests.
Cornell president in campus parking lotCredit: Cornell University
Kotlikoff: "As I left the event room, I was accosted by a group of several individuals in the hall... These individuals are known to Cornell for their past conduct... The behavior I experienced last night is not protest. It is harassment and intimidation, with the direct motive of silencing speech."
Kotlikoff said he was prevented from answering questions and, when he made his way to his car, the group followed and surrounded the vehicle, banging on windows and blocking its path. He said he waited for space behind the car and then used the vehicle’s rear pedestrian alert and automatic braking system to back out slowly and exit the parking lot.
The university-published surveillance footage shows a car with its lights on and engine started while a small group stands behind it. In cellphone video obtained by WSYR-TV, a student is heard claiming their foot was run over. Students for a Democratic Cornell (SDC) issued a May 4 statement accusing Kotlikoff of "hitting us with his car to avoid answering for his crackdown on students' rights," saying two students were injured and calling the action irresponsible.
Day Hall at the Cornell University campus on April 11, 2023Credit: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty
Cornell confirmed it has opened an investigation. A university spokesperson told PEOPLE: "The University is investigating the events that took place on April 30, 2026, involving a group of individuals and President Kotlikoff. The University will take action, as appropriate, based on the results of the investigation and in line with its policies, which are designed to uphold a safe environment for the Cornell community."
Following the incident, Students for a Democratic Cornell is requesting a meeting between students and university administrators to address their concerns and demands. The investigation's findings will determine any next steps by the university.
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