RismadarVoice Reporters, May 5, 2026
The president of Cornell University has alleged he was subjected to “harassment and intimidation” during a confrontation with protesters that culminated in his vehicle making contact with demonstrators.
According to statements released this week, Michael Kotlikoff stated that the incident occurred on Thursday evening outside Goldwin Smith Hall on the university’s campus in Ithaca, where multiple student groups had gathered for a debate on the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Organisations present included Cornell Progressives, Cornellians for Israel, and Students for Justice in Palestine.
In a statement issued on Friday, Kotlikoff said protesters followed him as he exited the venue and continued to question him despite his request to disengage.
“After answering a few questions, I let them know that I was not planning to engage further, and asked them to stop recording,” he said. “They continued to follow me to my car and then surrounded the car, banging on the windows, blocking the car, and shouting.”
Video circulating online appears to show the university president reversing his vehicle and making contact with at least one individual. Kotlikoff maintained that he acted cautiously while attempting to leave the area.
“I waited until I saw space behind the car and then, using my car’s rear pedestrian alert and automatic braking system, was able to slowly manoeuvre my car from the parking space and exit the parking lot,” he said.
However, the account has been disputed by student activists. Students for a Democratic Cornell accused Kotlikoff of being dismissive of attempts at dialogue before the incident. The group
