Cornell faculty pass no confidence vote over sexual assault case handling

The Cornell University Faculty Senate passed a vote of no confidence on Friday against university administrators and President Michael Kotlikoff. The BBC and The Hill reported that the decision follows the administration's handling of gang rape allegations at a campus fraternity house. The Hill reported that 55 percent supported the vote while seven percent abstained, while BBC News US reported that the resolution passed by 75 votes to 50. [1][2][3][4][5][6]

BBC News US reported that the lawsuit involves a former student, identified anonymously as Jane Doe, who alleges she was gang raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. Placeholders like Jane Doe are used in the American legal system when a person's true identity is intentionally concealed. BBC News US reported that all seven accused men denied wrongdoing when contacted by CBS, and none of them have been charged with a crime. [1][7]

As FTMQ Politics reported earlier, Jane Doe sent a letter dated October 14 to the faculty senate stating that President Kotlikoff made her feel unsupported and appeared to doubt her report. Cornell University issued a statement denying that characterization of the president's response before the vote took place. [9]

BBC News US reported that the faculty senate resolution is largely symbolic because the academic staff do not hold the official power to remove university leaders from office. The Hill reported that the board of trustees continues to back President Kotlikoff. [1][2]