Cornell University Incident Recalls College’s Infamous 1969 Protests

Much like “look both ways before crossing the street,” “don’t stand in front of a moving car” is one of the top preschool lessons magically forgotten by some Ivy Leaguers.

A group of activists surrounded Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff’s car last week after the school hosted a debate on the Israel-Palestinian conflict. As Kotlikoff tried to back out, he bumped one protester, while another demonstratively claimed that the university president had run over his foot. Video footage doesn’t provide a clear answer, but students don’t seem to care: According to the activists, the incident highlighted the insensitivity of a university official toward a young person, who had every right to block the vehicle’s egress. Some students are demanding the president’s resignation.

About the Author

Daniel J. Flynn

Daniel J. Flynn, the author of The Man Who Invented Conservatism: The Unlikely Life of Frank S. Meyer, is an American Spectator senior editor, visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution, and YouTuber @RightWingWilderness.

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Much like “look both ways before crossing the street,” “don’t stand in front of a moving car” is one of the top preschool lessons magically forgotten by some Ivy Leaguers.

A group of activists surrounded Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff’s car last week after the school hosted a debate on the Israel-Palestinian conflict. As Kotlikoff tried to back out, he bumped one protester, while another demonstratively claimed that the university president had run over his foot. Video footage doesn’t provide a clear answer, but students don’t seem to care: According to the activists, the incident highlighted the insensitivity of a university official toward a young person, who had every right to block the vehicle’s egress. Some students are demanding the president’s resignation.