A recent Cornell University graduate says he has been banned from campus for one year following a confrontation with Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff that allegedly resulted in Kotlikoff’s vehicle running over his foot.
Aiden Vallecillo said the incident occurred after a campus event in April when he and several other students followed Kotlikoff outside in an effort to continue a discussion about the university’s response to student protests, including disciplinary actions and free speech policies.
According to Vallecillo, the encounter escalated when Kotlikoff attempted to leave in a vehicle. Vallecillo claims the vehicle ran over his foot during the incident.
Weeks later, and just days after receiving his diploma, Vallecillo said a Cornell University Police officer arrived at his off-campus apartment to serve him with a notice barring him from university property for one year.
Vallecillo also told WSTM-TV in Syracuse that the officer allegedly entered his apartment without permission while attempting to deliver the notice.
Cornell University has not publicly commented on Vallecillo’s allegations. It is also unclear whether any investigation into the April incident has been conducted or whether the university has provided a reason for the campus ban.
The incident comes amid ongoing debate at Cornell and other universities over student protests, disciplinary policies, and the limits of free speech on campus.
