Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff has rejected two resolutions passed by the undergraduate Student Assembly targeting Israel, citing political bias and violations of academic freedom. One measure called for ending the university’s partnership with Israel’s Technion, alleging ethical concerns and complicity in genocide. Kotlikoff said the proposal conflicted with Cornell’s core principles of academic collaboration and academic freedom, and warned that severing ties for political reasons would undermine research, teaching and public trust.

He also noted that Cornell Tech in New York City operates as a three way partnership between Cornell, the Technion and the city, and cannot function unilaterally without one of its founding institutions. Kotlikoff criticized the resolution for singling out the Israeli university while Cornell maintains partnerships with 159 institutions in 59 locations worldwide, including in countries accused of human rights violations. He described the selective focus as deeply disturbing political bias.

Kotlikoff additionally rejected a second resolution condemning the university for hosting Israeli politician Tzipi Livni, arguing that it sought to curtail free speech. He said exposure to controversial ideas is central to university education and that the event fell within protected speech. The decisions come amid broader campus activism in the United States targeting institutional ties to Israel, as Cornell continues to face federal civil rights scrutiny and debate over antisemitism and free expression.