An ad hoc special committee of the Cornell University Board of Trustees has concluded its review of an April 30 incident involving Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff and a group of individuals on campus.
According to a statement released on Friday by the university, the committee, made up of the chair and vice chairs of the Board of Trustees, reviewed evidence collected by the Cornell University Police Department, including information gathered at the scene, verified video footage, and a sworn statement from Kotlikoff.
University officials said an individual at the scene who reported contact with the president’s vehicle declined medical treatment and refused to provide a sworn statement to investigators. The statement also said none of the individuals involved provided sworn statements despite repeated requests from Cornell University Police in the days following the incident.
The committee said it also retained independent legal counsel to evaluate the independence and integrity of the police investigation.
According to the university, the committee determined the investigation was conducted according to established policies and found no evidence of bias or undue influence.
The committee also concluded that the actions of the individuals involved — including allegedly following Kotlikoff from an evening event into a parking lot and impeding his ability to leave, violated university policies governing expressive activity and standards related to safety, respectful conduct, and intimidation.
Cornell said the evidence collected by police was presented to the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office, which determined that criminal charges were not warranted against anyone involved.
The university said Kotlikoff declined to pursue a complaint against the students involved, which would have been required to initiate proceedings under Cornell’s student code of conduct. Officials added that appropriate action is being taken against non-students involved in the incident.
In its statement, the committee reaffirmed support for peaceful protest and free expression, while emphasizing that demonstrations must occur within the law and with respect for the safety and rights of others.
The committee also expressed confidence in Kotlikoff’s leadership and commitment to Cornell’s values and mission.
