Cornell University’s faculty senate has approved a resolution declaring a lack of confidence in the school’s central administration, citing its response to what the resolution calls an ongoing sexual assault crisis. The Cornell faculty no-confidence vote, which passed 75 to 50, is largely symbolic, as the faculty senate cannot remove university leaders. The action follows allegations by a former student, identified anonymously as Jane Doe, that she was gang raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024.
The vote does not specify what administrators did wrong or offer recommendations. It states that the faculty senate has no confidence in the administration’s ability to effectively address the crisis. The resolution is a rebuke of leaders including President Michael Kotlikoff, whom Doe has accused of questioning why she waited several weeks to report the incident. Cornell has said her account of Kotlikoff’s reaction is incorrect.
Background of the Allegations
Doe is suing both the university and the fraternity over the alleged incident. All seven accused men have denied wrongdoing through their representatives, and none has been charged with a crime. Doe reported the assault to campus police after it occurred, but the local prosecutor declined to bring charges at the time.
Since the lawsuit was filed in September, Cornell has faced intense backlash. The university initially defended its disciplinary measures but later acknowledged it fell short in handling the case. It has hired a former attorney general to conduct an independent review and announced new measures, including canceling fraternity parties.
Reactions to the Vote
Doe’s lawyer, Thomas Giuffra, said the faculty senate likely did not reach its decision lightly and expressed hope that the vote would help educate and support the Cornell community in addressing sexual assault on campus.
The board of trustees, which has the authority to dismiss Kotlikoff, issued a statement affirming its confidence in him and his administration. Board chairwoman Anne Meinig Smalling said the vote reflects deep anger on campus and sends a clear message that what happened to Jane Doe is unacceptable. She also cited the administration’s track record in navigating complex problems.
Meanwhile, New York state prosecutors led by Attorney General Letitia James are conducting their own investigation to determine whether criminal charges are warranted. Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced that state police would investigate any future sexual offense complaints at the university.
