Cornell Faculty to Vote on No-Confidence Resolution Over Handling of Gang Rape Allegations

Cornell University faculty are scheduled to vote this week on a no-confidence resolution concerning the administration’s response to a 2024 incident in which a student reported she was gang-raped at a campus fraternity. The vote comes after a contentious Faculty Senate meeting on October 14, where faculty members voiced frustration over the university’s handling of the allegations and confronted President Michael Kotlikoff.

An audio recording of the closed-door meeting, obtained by the Associated Press, revealed Kotlikoff acknowledging potential missteps and defending his leadership. He appealed for more time to implement reforms and foster cultural changes within the student body, urging faculty to maintain confidence in his administration. He highlighted an independent investigation into the university's actions, suggesting it could lead to significant reforms.

The case involves a lawsuit filed by a student, identified as Jane Doe, who alleges that seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity sexually assaulted or exploited her in October 2024. Doe claims Cornell mishandled her subsequent complaints. All seven accused fraternity members have denied the allegations. A criminal investigation initiated by the Cornell Police Department reportedly stalled after the local district attorney declined to pursue charges.

During the faculty meeting, Kotlikoff stated he had not read the Cornell Police Department's report on the allegations, explaining that university policy prohibits top administrators from intervening in criminal investigations and that such reports are confidential. "I really reject the idea that I had no interest in it or was not concerned about it," Kotlikoff said, according to the recording.

Faculty members also raised concerns about the university's disciplinary processes, specifically questioning the reintegration of a disciplined student into campus life, including his placement in a shared dormitory room with a roommate unaware of the student's disciplinary record. Several speakers after Kotlikoff’s departure expressed a loss of confidence in the administration's capacity to address sexual assault on campus.

Some faculty expressed concerns that a swift no-confidence vote might not effectively resolve the underlying issues. The voting is set to commence electronically after Wednesday's meeting and will continue until November 6, with all votes to be kept anonymous. While a no-confidence vote holds symbolic weight, it could signal faculty sentiment to the university's trustees, who have the ultimate authority over presidential leadership.

Kotlikoff, who served as interim president beginning in July 2024 before assuming the permanent role last year, has also navigated other challenges during his tenure. These include a strike by dining and custodial workers, a $60 million settlement with the Trump administration concerning civil rights investigations, and accusations of suppressing campus protests.