Cornell faculty pass no confidence vote over leadership's handling of Jane Doe allegations
Summary
Cornell University faculty passed a no-confidence resolution criticizing the university administration’s handling of sexual assault concerns after a former student alleged she was gang-raped at a fraternity house in October 2024. The vote was 75 to 50 and is symbolic; the university says it has acknowledged shortcomings in its handling of her case and has commissioned an independent review.Key Facts
- The former student, identified as Jane Doe, is suing Cornell and the Chi Phi fraternity over the alleged assault.
- Seven men accused in the lawsuit have denied wrongdoing, and none has been charged with a crime.
- The faculty senate resolution said it lacked confidence in the central administration’s ability to address sexual assault at Cornell.
- The faculty senate cannot remove university leaders, and the resolution made no specific recommendations.
- Doe has accused Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff of asking why she waited several weeks to report the alleged assault; Cornell says her account of his reaction is incorrect.
- Cornell hired a former attorney general to conduct an independent review and announced measures that include cancelling fraternity parties.
- New York state prosecutors are investigating whether criminal charges are warranted.
- Governor Kathy Hochul said state police would investigate future sexual offense complaints at Cornell.
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