Cornell faculty votes no confidence in administration over sexual assault handling
The Cornell Faculty Senate voted 75‑50 to pass a no‑confidence resolution against President Michael Kotlikoff and senior administrators, citing mishandling of a former student’s lawsuit alleging a gang rape by seven fraternity members in October 2024. The vote, recorded on 6 Nov, carries no binding power but reflects campus anger. The university has expelled two accused students, shut down the Chi Phi fraternity chapter, and commissioned an independent probe, while New York state prosecutors have reopened the criminal investigation. Board Chair Anne Smalling affirmed continued support for Kotlikoff.
Key facts
- Vote tally: 75 in favor, 50 against, five abstentions, five not voting.
- President Kotlikoff acknowledged missteps in an audio recording but defended his leadership.
- The lawsuit identifies the victim as Jane Doe and alleges she was drugged and raped.
- The Faculty Senate’s approval represents 55.6 % of voting members.
- President Kotlikoff has 30 days to respond in writing to the faculty vote.
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Why it matters
The vote signals deep campus unrest and may pressure university leadership on sexual‑assault policies.
What changed
First published from The Guardian, The Straits Times, ABC News (Australia), The Independent and South China Morning Post