Cornell Faculty Weigh No-Confidence Vote Amidst Student Protests Over Sexual Assault Allegations
Protests and a potential vote of no confidence highlight growing concerns over the university's handling of a lawsuit alleging drugging and sexual assault.
Faculty members at Cornell University are considering a vote of no confidence in the school's administration, spurred by widespread student protests concerning sexual assault allegations. The faculty senate has seen 40 of its 75 voting members express support for a no-confidence resolution, according to Professor Paul Ortiz, who is sponsoring the resolution.
Ortiz stated that many faculty members were approached by concerned students who felt unsafe and demanded action from the university regarding sexual assault on campus. These faculty senators subsequently initiated the no-confidence resolution.
Student demonstrations have occupied parts of the campus in response to the allegations. Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff addressed students during a campus assembly, asserting that the university is not concealing information and will propose measures to improve campus culture and address the issue of sexual assault. However, Kotlikoff has thus far rejected calls for his resignation.
The controversy centers on a lawsuit filed by former Chi Phi fraternity brothers accused of drugging and raping a female student in October 2024. The accuser, identified as Jane Doe, alleges she was assaulted after being pressured into consuming ketamine and other substances while intoxicated. The accused men have denied wrongdoing, with some asserting the sexual activity was consensual and others denying participation. No criminal charges have been filed against the seven men.
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that her office is conducting an active criminal investigation, following an appointment as special prosecutor by Governor Kathy Hochul. Cornell University has also agreed to engage outside counsel to conduct an independent review of its response to the allegations.
Conflicting accounts of the events that night have emerged, including discrepancies between the accuser's statements made weeks after the incident, information provided to prosecutors by Cornell police, and the details presented in the lawsuit filed nearly two years later. The Tompkins County District Attorney, Matthew Van Houten, previously stated that Doe's November 2024 sworn statement did not allege she was drugged against her will or gang-raped, describing the drug use and sexual conduct as voluntary and consensual.