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Cornell University President Accused of Backing Into Student in Parking Lot Confrontation
Cornell said surveillance video shows Michael Kotlikoff backing out of a parking space as people stood behind his car after an Israel-Palestinian debate.
- On Sunday, Cornell University released enhanced surveillance footage showing President Michael Kotlikoff backing his car into students near Day Hall, appearing to contradict his earlier account of the Thursday incident.
- President Kotlikoff claimed in a Friday email he was "accosted" and harassed by individuals who blocked his vehicle after a Thursday debate on Israel's response to the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
- Students Aiden Vallecillo and Hudson Athas questioned the president about free expression when the vehicle struck them; Athas asked, "Am I allowed to stand here?" before Vallecillo shouted, "You just rolled over my f---ing foot."
- Cornell EMS responded after a 911 call, but Vallecillo says he is "fearful" of pressing charges, arguing that Kotlikoff oversees the police department and released "false information about us and our actions."
- The confrontation followed a debate series hosted by the Cornell Political Union, reflecting broader campus friction over free speech, protest policies, and the administration's response to student activism.
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Cornell president accused of backing car into protester says he was victim of 'harassment'
The president of Cornell University claimed on Monday that he was victim "harassment and intimidation" following a confrontation with protesters in which he appeared to get into his car and back into one of the demonstrators
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Total News Sources25
Leaning Left2Leaning Right7Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution47% Right
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Right
47% Right
13%
C 40%
R 47%
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