By Basant El-Faramawy
Cornell University's Faculty Senate convened Wednesday to complete a debate and vote on a no-confidence resolution against university leadership over its handling of a woman's report that she was gang raped at a fraternity house in 2024.
Faculty Confront President Kotlikoff
The vote follows a closed-door Faculty Senate meeting on Oct. 14 where members confronted President Michael Kotlikoff about the university's response. An audio recording obtained by The Associated Press captured Kotlikoff acknowledging missteps but defending his leadership and pointing to an independent investigation he said could lead to reforms. When asked whether he had read the Cornell Police Department's report on the allegations, Kotlikoff said he had not.
Lawsuit Alleges Mishandling
A woman identified in court documents as Jane Doe filed a lawsuit last month alleging that seven fraternity members sexually assaulted her in October 2024 and that Cornell mishandled her complaints. All seven men have denied the allegations. The criminal investigation stalled after the district attorney declined to pursue charges. In a New York Times interview, Kotlikoff admitted he never followed up to learn what happened to the woman or whether any accused men were punished, and he was unaware she had dropped out of Cornell until the lawsuit was filed.
Vote Details and Implications
Wednesday's meeting began at 3:30 p.m. and was closed to the public and media. Electronic voting will remain open through Nov. 6, with individual votes anonymous. A no-confidence vote would be largely symbolic but could send a message to the university's trustees, who ultimately decide leadership. Kotlikoff became interim president in July 2024 and assumed the role permanently last year.
