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Cornell Bans Student One Year After Parking-Lot Confrontation

6/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Cornell’s Board of Trustees banned Aiden Vallecillo for one year after a parking-lot confrontation with President Michael Kotlikoff on April 30, 2026.
The board said the students’ actions crossed from protest into intimidation.
Security-camera footage showed students moving behind Kotlikoff’s car as he reversed, contradicting his claim of surprise.
Kotlikoff said he should have remained in his vehicle and reiterated support for Cornell’s free-expression policies.

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Story summary

Cornell’s Board of Trustees banned Aiden Vallecillo for one year after a parking-lot confrontation with President Michael Kotlikoff on April 30, 2026.
The board said the students’ actions crossed from protest into intimidation.
Security-camera footage showed students moving behind Kotlikoff’s car as he reversed, contradicting his claim of surprise.
Kotlikoff said he should have remained in his vehicle and reiterated support for Cornell’s free-expression policies.