Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff is facing accusations from students who claim he struck them with his vehicle following a campus event focused on Israel and Palestine. The confrontation occurred in a campus parking lot after Kotlikoff introduced a debate series and was approached by a group of students who began questioning him about free speech issues.

Kotlikoff said the group followed him across campus, shouting questions and recording him despite his request to stop. He alleged that several individuals, including two who had previously been banned from campus, surrounded his car, banged on the windows and blocked his path. He stated that he slowly backed out of the parking space using his vehicle's safety systems once he saw room to leave.

Students involved in the incident dispute that account, saying they were attempting to peacefully question the president when he began reversing. One student alleged that Kotlikoff backed into a student and ran over his foot before driving away. Another student said the group was not attempting to block the vehicle and expressed shock at how the situation unfolded.

Surveillance footage released by the university shows the vehicle backing out as individuals stood behind it. It remains unclear whether the incident was reported to campus police, and both the university and the student group have been asked for further comment.