ITHACA, N.Y. — Cornell University’s faculty senate delivered a sharp rebuke to the university’s top leadership on Friday, issuing a vote of no confidence in the administration’s ability to manage the ongoing crisis surrounding an alleged sexual assault at a fraternity house last year.
The vote, which passed 75-50 with five abstentions, follows intense pressure from students, faculty, and alumni over the school’s handling of an incident involving a former student, known as Jane Doe. In a lawsuit filed this past September, Doe alleged that she was sexually assaulted and forcibly drugged at the Chi Phi fraternity house between Oct. 19 and 20, 2024.
The resolution explicitly states that the governing body “has no confidence in the ability of the central administration to effectively address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault at Cornell University.” While the vote serves as a major symbolic blow to President Michael Kotlikoff, it does not carry the power to remove him or other administrators from office.
The Cornell Board of Trustees maintains authority over leadership decisions and signaled on Friday that they have no intention of making changes. Board chair Anne Meinig Smalling defended the current administration, citing recent initiatives—such as the expansion of the Office of Civil Rights, increased victim advocacy, and enhanced prevention education—as proof that the university is on the right path.
“The Board of Trustees remains confident that President Kotlikoff and his administration are the right leaders to thoughtfully and comprehensively address the serious problem of sexual assault on our campus,” Smalling said in a statement.
For the faculty sponsors of the resolution, the vote represents a demand for a fundamental shift in university policy. In a statement, they characterized the current administrative response as “PR damage control” and “slow-moving,” calling instead for evidence-based, systemic reforms that prioritize survivor justice over administrative bureaucracy.
The underlying legal controversy remains complex. All seven men accused by Jane Doe have denied the allegations. While two were expelled following internal university proceedings, a local criminal investigation was declined by the Tompkins County District Attorney last year. The case is now under the purview of New York Attorney General Letitia James, who was appointed by Gov. Kathy Hochul to lead a new investigation. This week, James tapped former federal prosecutor Jacqueline Kelly to direct the inquiry.
However, the legal path forward is mired in contention; several of the accused men have initiated court proceedings to disqualify James, citing alleged bias due to her past public expressions of empathy for the survivor.
As the university awaits a separate, independent review by former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates, faculty remain steadfast in their dissatisfaction. For Jane Doe’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, the senate’s vote is a positive sign. “We are hopeful that this will be yet another step forward to educate and support the Cornell community,” he said.
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