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

Cornell University faculty began voting Wednesday on a proposed no-confidence resolution targeting the university's administration, fueled by significant frustration over its response to a woman's report of a 2024 gang rape at a campus fraternity house.

The faculty meeting followed an Oct. 14 session where faculty members confronted Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff about the administration's handling of the allegations. While the meeting was closed to the media, an audio recording obtained by The Associated Press revealed Kotlikoff acknowledging some missteps and defending his leadership.

Kotlikoff urged faculty to maintain confidence in his leadership, citing an independent investigation into the university's handling of the case that he believes could lead to meaningful reforms. The woman, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit last month alleging that seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity sexually assaulted or exploited her in October 2024 and that Cornell mishandled her subsequent complaints. The seven men have denied these allegations.

A criminal investigation by the Cornell Police Department did not result in charges after the local district attorney declined to pursue the case. In an interview with The New York Times, Kotlikoff stated he had not followed up on the status of the woman or the criminal investigation.

When questioned by a faculty member about whether he had read the police report concerning the rape allegations, Kotlikoff acknowledged he had not. He explained this was due to the confidential nature of police investigations and university policy that prevents top administrators from participating in such matters. "I really reject the idea that I had no interest in it or was not concerned about it," Kotlikoff stated, emphasizing the need for experienced leadership to address campus issues and warning that replacing the president would harm Cornell's reputation.

Faculty also raised concerns about Cornell's handling of a disciplined student's return to campus, including the student being assigned to a shared dormitory with a roommate unaware of his disciplinary history.

Following Kotlikoff's departure from the Oct. 14 meeting, several faculty members expressed a loss of confidence in the administration's ability to address sexual assault on campus. Some members of the Faculty Senate cautioned that a rushed no-confidence vote might not effectively resolve the underlying problems.

The voting period for the resolution is scheduled to remain open through Nov. 6, with all individual votes kept anonymous. While a no-confidence vote by the faculty holds largely symbolic power, it could serve as a significant message to the university's trustees, who hold the ultimate authority over the president's position.

Kotlikoff initially served as the university's interim president starting in July 2024 before assuming the permanent role the following year. His tenure has also been marked by a dining and custodial workers strike, dissatisfaction over a $60 million settlement related to Trump administration civil rights investigations, and accusations from activists that his administration curtailed campus protests.