Cornell University’s faculty have voted no confidence in the administration’s response to a widespread sexual assault crisis triggered by a former student’s allegation of gang rape.
Jane Doe, who wishes to remain anonymous, has filed a lawsuit against Cornell University and the Chi Phi fraternity, alleging that several men were involved in the October 2024 incident at the fraternity house.
All seven individuals accused have denied any wrongdoing in statements to CBS, the BBC’s US partner, and none faces criminal charges.
The no‑confidence vote concluded on Friday with a 75‑to‑50 majority; although largely symbolic, the faculty senate lacks authority to oust university leaders.
The resolution declares that the faculty senate, representing academic staff, “has no confidence in the central administration’s ability to effectively address the ongoing sexual assault crisis at Cornell University.”
The resolution offers no specific recommendations or detailed criticisms of the administration’s actions.
The vote constitutes a rebuke of university leaders, notably President Michael Kotlikoff, whom Doe alleges asked why she delayed reporting the incident for several weeks.
Cornell, an Ivy League university in upstate New York, has characterized Doe’s account of President Kotlikoff’s reaction as inaccurate.
Jane Doe’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, said in a statement, “We recently learned that Cornell’s Faculty Senate has determined that the Central Administration lacks confidence in its ability to address the longstanding sexual assault crisis on campus.”
“We believe the Faculty Senate approached this decision carefully and weighed all relevant information.”
Giuffra added, “We hope this represents another step toward educating and supporting the Cornell community in confronting the longstanding scourge of sexual assault on campus.”
Intense backlash has surrounded Cornell since Doe filed her lawsuit in September. She reported the alleged assault to campus police, but the local prosecutor chose not to bring charges at that time.
After initially defending its disciplinary actions, Cornell acknowledged shortcomings in handling the case and appointed a former attorney general to conduct an independent review. The university also announced new measures, including the cancellation of fraternity parties.
New York State prosecutors, under Attorney General Letitia James, are conducting their own investigation to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
Earlier this week, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that state police would investigate any future sexual assault complaints at the university.
