University Statements

Salim Dridi, 25, has been charged with harassment in the second degree by the Ithaca Police Department for spitting on a female Muslim Cornell student while she was walking in Collegetown last month.

At the time of the incident, Dridi was pursuing a master’s of engineering (MEng) in computer science at Cornell. Dridi was referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. He is not currently enrolled.

We are saddened that a member of the Cornell community is a suspect in this vile act targeting another student.

Cornell University appreciates the swift work and collaboration of the Ithaca Police Department and the Cornell University Police Department to identify and apprehend the suspect in this crime. Dridi also faces two separate criminal charges for felony criminal mischief and falsely activating a fire alarm in two unrelated local incidents.

Joel M. Malina
Vice President for University Relations