Cornell president admits he never followed up on gang rape allegation ahead of no-confidence debate
Summary
Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff admitted he did not follow up on a reported gang rape at a fraternity in 2024 and was unaware of the case outcome or punishments. The situation has led to calls for his resignation and a Faculty Senate vote on a no-confidence resolution over handling of sexual assault cases.Key Facts
- A student reported being gang raped at Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024.
- President Kotlikoff knew about the report but never checked what happened afterward.
- The woman dropped out of Cornell, and some students were expelled or suspended, but Kotlikoff only learned this recently.
- Kotlikoff called the allegations “deeply disturbing” and started investigations and a task force on sexual assault.
- The Tompkins County District Attorney first declined charges but reopened the case after a lawsuit and was later removed by the governor.
- New York’s Attorney General was appointed as a special prosecutor, and an independent review was ordered.
- Cornell’s Faculty Senate debated a no-confidence resolution against the administration’s handling of sexual assault reports.
- Some faculty members called for Kotlikoff’s resignation, citing concerns about how complaints are handled and fear of retaliation.
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