Cornell University’s Faculty Senate has passed a resolution declaring no confidence in its administration, including President Michael Kotlikoff, over its handling of what it has called a sexual assault crisis. The vote was 75 to 50 on Friday, according to DW.
DW reports that five senators abstained and five did not vote. The resolution states the senate "has no confidence in the ability of the central administration to effectively address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault at Cornell University," according to BBC World. It makes no specific recommendations.
BBC World reports that the vote is largely symbolic. The faculty senate has no power over top leaders, and the board of trustees has the power to fire Kotlikoff.
Board chair Anne Meinig Smalling said the board "fully supports" Kotlikoff and his administration, and that the vote "reflects the deep anger across our campus," according to CBS News US.
Cornell’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors said Kotlikoff and Vice President Ryan Lombardi "have failed" in attention to student well-being and accountability, and that there must be a change in leadership, according to CBS News US.
The crisis centers on a lawsuit filed by a former student, Jane Doe, against the university and seven former Chi Phi fraternity members. Doe alleges she was drugged and raped at a fraternity house in October 2024, according to DW. All seven deny her allegations, and the allegations are unproven.
BBC World reports that Doe has accused Kotlikoff of asking why she waited several weeks to report the incident. Cornell has said her account of his reaction is "incorrect." Only BBC World reports Doe’s account of this exchange.
Doe reported the alleged assault to campus police, who passed findings to the Tompkins County district attorney. The district attorney did not prosecute, and no criminal charges have been filed. The investigation has since been reopened and handed to New York’s attorney general. Cornell has also hired former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates for an independent review.
Kotlikoff has announced new safety measures, including a ban on fraternity parties and an agreement with New York State Police to investigate sexual assault complaints.
Under university procedures, Kotlikoff has 30 days to respond in writing, a university spokesperson said, according to DW. He has not yet responded to the faculty vote. The Yates review and the New York attorney general’s investigation have no reported outcome or timeline. Faculty sponsors say they will push for reforms.
The sources do not say what the administration did wrong, because the resolution did not state specifics. No response from the trustees beyond their quoted statement has been reported. The key vote details come from DW, BBC World and CBS News US.
Sources
This article was written with AI assistance from the published reporting listed above. It is part of the World Brief daily news podcast.