Cornell Board Supports President After April Campus Incident

Cornell University's board of trustees announced it is standing by President Michael Kotlikoff following an investigation into events on April 30. The board said a group of students followed Kotlikoff from an evening event into a parking lot and impeded his ability to leave.

It concluded those actions were inconsistent with university policies on expressive activity, respectful conduct, safety, and the prohibition of intimidation. Several students who claimed the president's car struck them declined medical treatment and refused to provide sworn statements to campus police despite repeated requests.

Campus police presented evidence to the Tompkins County District Attorney's office. The office determined that no criminal charges were warranted against any individuals involved. President Kotlikoff declined to pursue a complaint against the students, which would have been required to initiate action under the university's code of conduct.

The board said appropriate action is being taken against the non-students involved.

The incident followed a campus debate series on Israel and Palestine hosted by the Cornell Political Union and co-sponsored by Cornell Progressives, Cornellians for Israel and Students for Justice in Palestine. Kotlikoff described the debate series event as vigorous and civil and said it exemplified the open discourse the university values.

Cornell law professor William A. Jacobson said the board's investigation confirmed what public videos showed: reckless conduct meant to trap and confront the president in a dangerous manner, and highly questionable claims of injury by the activists.

Law professor Menachem Rosensaft said he was extremely gratified by the board's conclusion and the message it sent. He added that Kotlikoff was correct in not pursuing disciplinary measures against the students because that is what they would have liked.