ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – A federal official is highlighting a meeting with Cornell University.

On September 3, Acting United States Attorney John Sarcone III met with CU President Michael Kotlikoff, VP and General Counsel Donica Thomas Varner, and Associate VP of Public Safety David Honan.

Sarcone praised the Ivy League school’s positive relationship with his office and pledged to “continue support to Cornell University in upholding its legal obligations to provide campuses free from harassment and discrimination.”

According to Sarcone’s office, Kotlikoff described the school’s responsibilities to protect free and open inquiry and expression while “recognizing the need for expressive activities to adhere to time, place, and manner regulations that limit disruptions to students, faculty, and the Cornell community.”

Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone III and Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff met on September 3, 2025. Credit: U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of New York

Kotlikoff reaffirmed Cornell’s commitment to freedom of expression and ensured “the safety and well-being of all faculty, staff, students, parents, and visitors.”

In related news, talks of a potential settlement between Cornell and the Trump Administration to restore federal funding have recently stalled, according to the New York Times.

The news of slowed negotiations comes after a September 3 ruling by a federal judge that the Trump Administration’s funding freeze at Harvard was illegal.