By Sohaib Shams
Cornell University's Faculty Senate has issued a vote of no confidence in the school's top administrators over their handling of a former student's lawsuit alleging gang rape at a fraternity house. The resolution passed 75-50 with five abstentions and five senators not voting, according to an email sent Friday evening. The measure is symbolic and does not call for removals or outline steps to manage the fallout.
Lawsuit Allegations
The vote follows a lawsuit filed under the pseudonym Jane Doe, which accuses seven fraternity members of sexually assaulting her in October 2024. The suit also alleges that Cornell mishandled her complaints at the time. The Faculty Senate addressed the matter after weeks of internal debate among administrators and professors.
President's Response
University President Michael Kotlikoff acknowledged missteps in a closed-door meeting on October 14 but defended his leadership, warning that replacing him could harm the university's reputation. In an audio recording obtained by The Associated Press, Kotlikoff admitted he had not read the Cornell Police Department's report on the rape allegations. In a New York Times interview, he also acknowledged he never followed up to learn what happened to the woman or whether any accused men were punished, and was unaware she had dropped out of Cornell until the lawsuit was filed.
Attorney Thomas Giuffra, representing the woman, said the vote is a step forward to address the longstanding scourge of sexual assault on campus. New York State Police will now investigate all sexual assault complaints at Cornell following the scandal.
