By Salma El-Sakka
Cornell University's faculty senate is expected to release results Friday of a no-confidence vote targeting the central administration's handling of sexual assault allegations on campus.
Background of Allegations
The vote follows a complaint by a former undergraduate student, identified as Jane Doe, who alleged she was gang raped in 2024 by several members of the Chi Phi fraternity. She filed a civil lawsuit against the accused men and the university, claiming she was drugged and raped. All seven fraternity brothers named in the suit have denied wrongdoing, and no criminal charges have been filed.
Legal Developments and Investigation
New York Attorney General Letitia James is conducting a criminal investigation into the incident, while Cornell is also conducting an internal probe of its response. The faculty senate resolution states it has "no confidence in the ability of the central administration to effectively address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault at Cornell University." Though the senate lacks authority to force changes, a passing resolution would represent a significant rebuke of university leadership. Meanwhile, four of the seven men named in the lawsuit are seeking to have James removed from the criminal probe, arguing a social media post expressing support for Jane Doe demonstrates bias. James recently appointed Jacqueline Kelly, a former federal sex crimes prosecutor, to lead the investigation, but the accused men's attorneys contend the appointment does not eliminate concerns about James's supervisory authority.
