Cornell Faculty Senate to Debate No-Confidence Resolution Over Campus Sexual Violence Response

The Cornell University faculty senate is scheduled to begin deliberations Wednesday on a no-confidence resolution aimed at condemning the university's response to sexual violence on campus. The resolution, if passed, would represent a significant repudiation of the administration's actions since a recent controversy involving sexual assault allegations at a campus fraternity.

"We're saying we have no confidence in how the administration has handled this. It is a crisis. It's a long-term systemic problem. Jane Doe's case is significant, but it is not nearly the only case like this," said Iris Packman, a faculty senator.

The resolution states: "The Faculty Senate has no confidence in the ability of the central administration to effectively address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault at Cornell University." Professor Paul Ortiz, the resolution's lead sponsor, noted that "scores of students, staff, faculty and alumni have approached the sponsors of the resolution to emphasize to us that the Jane Doe case is but the tip of the iceberg."

Approximately 150 faculty members have indicated support for the resolution, which is co-sponsored by a dozen faculty senators. A majority vote within the faculty senate is required for its adoption. The resolution does not demand specific actions like resignations but broadly criticizes the administration's handling of the issue.

Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff and Provost Kavita Bala are slated to address the faculty senate and field questions before the debate commences. The formal vote on the resolution is expected later this month, with online voting scheduled to last for five days after an Oct. 28 meeting.

Wednesday's meeting agenda includes remarks from the university's leadership, presentations from the Sexual Assault Task Force, and statements from Cornell's director of sexual harassment and assault response. The dean of faculty is also scheduled to read an "expressive activity statement," a measure that some faculty members believe could have a chilling effect on speech.

This debate occurs as the university announced new measures aimed at strengthening campus safety and supporting survivors. Cornell has suspended fraternity social events pending a review of fraternity life and pledged to increase staffing in its Office of Civil Rights. The university also stated it would report sexual assault allegations to the New York State Police during its policy review and work with independent investigators.

Cornell also plans to implement changes recommended by its Presidential Task Force on Sexual Assault and refocus the entity to examine opportunities for safe social engagement and risk reduction. The university has prohibited photography or video recording of Wednesday's meeting, though a recording is expected to be released later in the week.