Michael Kotlikoff denies student injury claims after campus incident

Cornell University’s president has spoken out after he was accused of running over a student's foot with his car on campus following a heated exchange.

On Friday, Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff shared a statement on the school’s website addressing the April 30 incident, which occurred after he attended an Israel-Palestine debate at Goldwin Smith Hall.

The event was hosted by the Cornell Political Union and co-sponsored by groups including Cornell Progressives, Cornellians for Israel, and Students for Justice in Palestine.

Michael Kotlikoff claimed the debate was "civil" until he exited the building and was "accosted" by individuals he alleged have a history of verbal abuse.

As he attempted to reach his vehicle, the group reportedly followed and filmed him. "The behavior I experienced last night is not protest. It is harassment and intimidation," Kotlikoff stated, explaining he used his car’s pedestrian alert system to "slowly maneuver" away.

Conversely, Students for a Democratic Cornell shared a statement to social media on Monday, accusing him of a "crackdown on students’ rights."

In cellphone video obtained by WSYR-TV, a student is heard yelling, "You just ran over my f---ing foot!" The group further alleged that Kotlikoff "failed to drive responsibly," causing injuries to two students.

A university spokesperson confirmed on Monday that they are investigating the events to uphold a safe environment.

This controversy follows Kotlikoff’s recent efforts to moderate campus discourse, as he previously served as the university's provost before assuming the presidency to lead future academic initiatives.