Cornell University – University President Backs Car into Student Protestor

Summary

On April 30, 2026, Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff became involved in a confrontation with students and a recent graduate following a Cornell Political Union event concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict. Several members of Students for a Democratic Cornell (SDC) followed Kotlikoff to his car to question him about the University’s handling of student protests and free expression. The students said they wanted to discuss Cornell’s expressive activity policies, temporary suspensions and a campus referendum. Kotlikoff characterized the encounter as “harassment and intimidation,” while video footage showed students surrounding his car. As Kotlikoff attempted to leave, his car backed into student Hudson Athas and ran over the foot of recent graduate Aiden Vallecillo.

The incident prompted calls for Kotlikoff’s resignation and criticism from student and faculty groups. SDC and the Student Assembly criticized the University’s response, while other student and faculty organizations raised concerns about the treatment of pro-Palestinian student expression and whether students could challenge University administrators without facing disciplinary consequences. Critics also questioned Kotlikoff’s description of the encounter in light of video footage of the incident.

On May 15, Cornell’s Board of Trustees’ Ad Hoc Special Committee concluded its investigation, clearing Kotlikoff of wrongdoing while finding that the students’ actions in following him to his car and impeding his ability to leave violated University policies concerning expressive activity, respectful conduct, safety and intimidation. The committee said the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office determined that no criminal charges were warranted. SDC disputed the investigation’s independence and said students had been reluctant to provide statements to Cornell University Police because they feared disciplinary consequences. Kotlikoff declined to pursue disciplinary action against the enrolled students, but a recent graduate who participated in the confrontation was banned from campus for three years.

The University later imposed a one-year campus ban on Vallecillo, citing his role in restricting the movement of a motor vehicle and creating a hazardous condition during the April 30 incident. Vallecillo disputed the University’s characterization of his conduct. The incident continued to generate criticism over Cornell’s handling of student protest and free expression, including questions about whether the University’s disciplinary response was consistent with its stated commitment to free speech and peaceful protest.