The Cornell University Faculty Senate approved a resolution Friday expressing no confidence in the school’s top leaders, including President Michael Kotlikoff. The vote, which passed 75-50 with five abstentions and five non-votes, highlights significant discontent on campus following a lawsuit filed by a former student alleging she was gang-raped at a fraternity party in 2024.
The resolution emerged after weeks of debate among faculty members questioning whether university administrators adequately addressed the woman's allegations and have taken sufficient steps to combat sexual misconduct. While the Faculty Senate holds no power to remove university leadership, supporters hoped the vote would pressure Cornell’s trustees to address what they described as long-standing institutional failures.
The board of trustees acknowledged the vote reflected "deep anger on campus" and sent a "clear signal that what happened to Jane Doe is unacceptable." However, the board reiterated its full support for President Kotlikoff and his administration, citing measures such as expanded sexual assault prevention education, increased victim advocates, and additional staff in the Office of Civil Rights as evidence of their response. Board chair Anne Smalling stated that the administration is equipped to "thoughtfully and comprehensively" address the issue.
Thomas Giuffra, the attorney representing Jane Doe, expressed hope that the Faculty Senate's action would serve as a step forward in educating and supporting the Cornell community by confronting sexual assault on campus. The lawsuit, filed in mid-September, accuses the university and seven former members of the Chi Phi fraternity of negligence. The plaintiff alleges she was drugged with ketamine and subsequently raped at a fraternity house in October 2024.
Initially, the local district attorney determined no crime had been committed, but the New York State Attorney General's office has since reopened the investigation. Cornell previously disciplined several students involved, with two expelled, two suspended and placed on probation, and two required to complete educational assignments and bystander training. A seventh student, who had already graduated, was banned from campus.
Amidst the ongoing legal and administrative processes, Cornell President Kotlikoff has pledged to improve the university's approach to sexual assault. He convened a task force that released recommendations and defended his leadership, arguing that administrative changes alone would not solve complex issues and could harm the university's reputation. Kotlikoff noted that university policy prevented him from intervening in criminal investigations and acknowledged learning only recently that the accuser had left Cornell.
Some faculty members have voiced criticism, suggesting Kotlikoff has not acted forcefully enough to strengthen disciplinary processes, pursue criminal investigations, or alter campus party culture. The university has also hired former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to conduct an independent investigation into Cornell's response to the 2024 rape report and its broader procedures for handling such incidents. The no-confidence resolution did not demand Kotlikoff's resignation.