The Cornell University faculty senate has passed a largely symbolic vote of no confidence against the school's central administration, citing frustration over the handling of sexual assault allegations.
The resolution, which passed 75 to 50, serves as a public rebuke of President Michael Kotlikoff and other leaders, though it lacks the authority to remove them from office. The controversy stems from a lawsuit filed by a former student, identified as Jane Doe, who alleges she was gang-raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024.
While no criminal charges have been filed against the seven accused men—all of whom deny the allegations—the university has faced mounting pressure to overhaul its disciplinary and reporting procedures. President Kotlikoff has faced specific criticism from the plaintiff regarding his response to her report, a claim the university maintains is incorrect.
In response to the backlash, Cornell has hired a former attorney general to conduct an independent review and has implemented new restrictions, including the cancellation of fraternity parties. Meanwhile, the university's board of trustees has stood by the current leadership, expressing full confidence in their ability to manage the situation.
The matter remains under scrutiny by state authorities, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordering state police to investigate future sexual offense complaints at the institution.
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