Cornell Faculty Expresses No Confidence in Leadership Over Sexual Misconduct Handling

Cornell University’s faculty senate passed a resolution Friday declaring no confidence in the institution’s top leadership, a symbolic move reflecting widespread campus discontent following a former student’s lawsuit alleging she was gang-raped at a fraternity party in 2024.

The measure passed with a vote of 75 to 50, as five faculty senators abstained and five others did not vote, according to an email sent to faculty senate members Friday afternoon.

The vote capped weeks of debate among professors questioning whether Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff and other administrators properly handled the woman’s allegations and whether sufficient action has been taken to curb sexual misconduct at the esteemed institution.

Although the faculty senate lacks authority over university leadership, resolution supporters said they hoped the vote would pressure Cornell’s trustees to urgently confront what they describe as longstanding institutional failures.

Voting occurred electronically over more than a week, with results released Friday.

The Board of Trustees stated Friday that the vote reflected deep campus anger and sent a clear signal that what happened to Jane Doe is unacceptable, while affirming that Kotlikoff and his administration are the right leaders to address the issue thoughtfully and comprehensively.

In a statement, Board Chair Anne Smalling affirmed that the board fully supports President Kotlikoff and his administration as they continue to listen and act decisively in support of students. She cited expanded sexual assault prevention education, additional victim advocates, and increased staff at the university’s office of civil rights as evidence of the administration’s response.

Thomas Giuffra, attorney for Jane Doe, stated Friday that the resolution represents another step forward in educating and supporting the Cornell community as it addresses the longstanding scourge of sexual assault on campus.

The Cornell community has been gripped by distress and dismay since mid-September, when a former student filed a lawsuit against the university and seven former Chi Phi fraternity members, alleging she was given ketamine and raped at a fraternity house in October 2024.

All seven men have denied the allegations, asserting that the encounter was consensual or that they were not involved. The local district attorney initially ruled that the woman had consented and that no crime had been committed, but the investigation has since been reopened and reassigned to New York’s attorney general.

Following a monthslong Title IX investigation, Cornell disciplined several of the accused students. Two were expelled, two received suspensions and probation, and two were ordered to write reflection papers and complete bystander training. A seventh individual, who had already graduated, was barred from campus, according to records obtained by The New York Times.

Kotlikoff also convened a taskforce to study the problem of sexual misconduct on campus, which released a set of recommendations.

Some faculty members have expressed fury with Kotlikoff for failing to act more forcefully to strengthen the school’s disciplinary process, push for criminal investigations, and transform campus party culture.

The no-confidence resolution does not call for Kotlikoff’s resignation.

Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organizations. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html

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