05/08/2026
Videos released last week by a student group and by Cornell University show university president Michael Kotlikoff backing his car into a student after an incident on campus.
Kotlikoff says a group accosted him and surrounded his car after an event. The group denies any intimidation on their part, and says he backed into one student and ran over another student’s foot.
The Cornell University Police Department (CUPD) is investigating the incident. In a statement released Thursday, the Cornell Board of Trustees announced that it has established an Ad Hoc Special Committee to oversee that investigation. Kotlikoff has recused himself from all involvement.
WSKG’s Ithaca area reporter Aurora Berry spoke with News Director Phoebe Taylor-Vuolo about what we know about the incident so far.
For the full conversation, visit WSKG.org
Story by Aurora Berry and Phoebe Taylor-Vuolo/WSKG News
Photo screenshot from video courtesy of Students for a Democratic Cornell