By Fatma Younis
Cornell University's faculty senate approved a resolution Friday declaring “no confidence” in the school’s top administrators, a symbolic gesture reflecting deep discontent on campus over the handling of a former student’s lawsuit alleging she was gang-raped at a fraternity party in 2024.
Vote Details
The resolution passed 75-50, with five faculty senators abstaining and five not voting, according to an email sent to senate members Friday afternoon. Voting took place electronically over more than a week.
Lawsuit and Allegations
The Cornell community has been in distress since mid-September, when a former student sued the university and seven former members of the Chi Phi fraternity. She alleged she was given ketamine and raped at a fraternity house in October 2024. All seven men have denied the allegations, stating the sex was consensual or they were not involved.
Legal and Disciplinary Actions
The local district attorney initially ruled the woman had consented and no crime occurred, but the investigation was reopened and transferred to New York Attorney General Letitia James. Cornell’s own Title IX investigation resulted in discipline for several accused students: two were expelled, two received suspensions and probation, two were required to write reflection papers and complete bystander training, and a seventh, who had already graduated, was barred from campus.
Faculty Criticism
President Michael Kotlikoff also convened a task force to study sexual misconduct on campus, which released recommendations. However, many faculty members said Kotlikoff had not acted forcefully enough to strengthen disciplinary processes, push for criminal investigations, or change campus party culture. The no-confidence resolution did not call for Kotlikoff’s resignation.
