By Islam El-Sakka
Cornell University faculty began voting Wednesday on a no-confidence resolution targeting the administration over its response to a woman's report that she was gang raped at a campus fraternity house in 2024.
Faculty Senate Confronts President
The vote follows an October 14 Faculty Senate meeting where angry faculty members confronted President Michael Kotlikoff about the university's handling of the allegations. In an audio recording obtained by The Associated Press, Kotlikoff acknowledged some missteps, defended his leadership, and asked for more time to implement reforms and cultural changes in student social life. He urged faculty to have confidence in him, citing an independent investigation that could lead to meaningful reforms.
Lawsuit and Criminal Investigation
A woman identified in court documents as Jane Doe filed a lawsuit last month alleging that seven Chi Phi fraternity members sexually assaulted or exploited her in October 2024 and that Cornell mishandled her complaints. All seven men have denied the allegations. The criminal investigation by Cornell's police department stalled after the local district attorney declined to pursue charges. In an interview with The New York Times, Kotlikoff said he never followed up to learn what happened to the woman or the criminal investigation. Asked whether he read the police report, Kotlikoff acknowledged he had not, citing confidentiality and university policy that top administrators should not intervene in criminal investigations.
Vote Details and Implications
After Kotlikoff departed the meeting, a string of faculty speakers said they had lost confidence in the administration's ability to combat sexual assault on campus. Some senators warned a hasty no-confidence vote would do little to address underlying problems. Wednesday's meeting began at 3:30 p.m. and was closed to the public and media. Electronic voting opened afterward and remains open through November 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 took the role permanently last year. He has faced challenges including a dining and custodial workers strike, criticism over a $60 million settlement with the Trump administration over civil rights investigations, and accusations that his administration stifled campus protests.
