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Cornell Trustees Clear Kotlikoff in Parking-Lot Confrontation

Trustees cited a police case file alongside a DA review to justify closing the case.

Overview

  • Cornell’s board said no one should face criminal responsibility in the April 30 encounter in a campus parking lot.
  • Campus police gathered evidence and an outside lawyer reviewed the inquiry’s integrity before the case went to the Tompkins County district attorney, who declined charges.
  • The review faulted students for following President Michael Kotlikoff to his car and blocking his exit, calling the behavior inconsistent with Cornell’s protest and safety rules.
  • Kotlikoff chose not to file a conduct complaint, which ended any student discipline under the university’s code.
  • The committee noted the student who said they were hit refused EMS care and a sworn account, and it said appropriate action was taken against non-students involved.