Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff is facing accusations that his vehicle drove over the legs of two students following a campus debate on 30/4. Video evidence of the incident appears to contradict Kotlikoff's initial statement, which claimed he was harassed by a group of students.

In an email sent to the university community a day after the event, President Kotlikoff stated that a group of students approached his car, shouting and banging on the windows in an attempt to intimidate him. He asserted he reversed his car only after seeing a clear space behind him, making no mention of any collision. However, video footage presents a different sequence of events, showing his car hitting and driving over the legs of Aiden Vallecillo and Hudson Athas, both members of the organization "Students for a Democratic Cornell" (SDC).

Cornell University campus, US. Photo: *Cornell University Library Fanpage*.

Vallecillo explained that the students had followed President Kotlikoff to ask questions regarding freedom of speech on campus, feeling he had "ignored and disrespected" them. He recounted that approximately 15 seconds after Kotlikoff entered his vehicle, the president "reversed very quickly" towards the two male students and then drove away, even as Vallecillo screamed in pain. Campus police and emergency medical services subsequently arrived at the scene.

Athas noted that the president did not provide sufficient signals before reversing his vehicle. Vallecillo also voiced frustration that the university's email announcing the incident was sent without first contacting the involved students to verify the information. Both students maintained that their group was merely attempting to engage in a normal conversation, directly refuting Kotlikoff's accusations of shouting and harassment. The video footage further supports their claim, showing no physical impact by students on the vehicle.

A representative from Cornell University later acknowledged the new details revealed by the video. Despite this, the university affirmed it would maintain the stance outlined in the president's initial email.

The incident has caused considerable concern within the Cornell student community, prompting discussions about the administration's approach to handling dissenting student opinions.

Kotlikoff, a biomedical researcher and veterinarian, was appointed president of Cornell University in 3/2025. He previously served as provost from 2015 to 2024.

Founded in 1865, Cornell University has approximately 16,000 students. It is one of the eight Ivy League institutions in the US and is currently ranked 12th among national universities by US News.

Khanh Linh (According to *The Cornell Daily Sun*, *The New York Times*)