By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Cornell University's faculty senate on Friday issued a vote of no confidence in the central administration's handling of a 2024 sexual assault case at a campus fraternity house. The resolution, passed 75-50 with five abstentions, states the body "has no confidence in the ability of the central administration to effectively address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault at Cornell University."
Vote Details
The vote does not directly affect leadership decisions, including the position of President Michael Kotlikoff, though the board of trustees may consider the finding in future decisions. The resolution does not recommend removals or specify how to manage the fallout.
Allegations and Lawsuit
The governing body acted after a former student, identified as Jane Doe, alleged she was sexually assaulted and forced to take ketamine at the Chi Phi fraternity house on Oct. 19-20, 2024. A lawsuit filed in September 2026 accuses seven fraternity members; all deny the allegations. Two were expelled after an internal civil rights proceeding, while others received lesser sanctions.
Criminal Investigation
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten declined to pursue criminal charges in November 2024. New York Attorney General Letitia James was appointed by Gov. Kathy Hochul last month to investigate and consider whether charges are warranted. Several defendants have moved to disqualify James, citing alleged bias from her social media posts supporting Jane Doe. James has appointed former federal prosecutor Jacqueline Kelly to lead an independent inquiry.
Administration Response
At an Oct. 14 senate meeting, President Kotlikoff vowed to reassess Greek life and examine preventive measures to reduce reported sexual assaults. He said additional resources are being added to support victims navigating university bureaucracy and acknowledged he only recently learned Jane Doe had dropped out after the incident.
Senate Debate
Senators debated postponing the no-confidence vote until after an outside review by former acting Attorney General Sally Yates, commissioned by the board of trustees. A proposal to delay the vote failed at the Senate's Oct. 28 meeting.
