Cornell faculty pass no-confidence vote over leadership's handling of Jane Doe allegations
Friday's resolution by academic staff is largely symbolic as they do not have the power to remove those in charge of the university.
Cornell University’s academic staff have voted in a no confidence motion against their leaders' handling of sexual assault allegations, according to <source 16186d47-637>. A former student, referred to as Jane Doe, alleged she was gang raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. Seven accused individuals have denied wrongdoing and none have been charged with a crime.
The vote passed 75 to 50, but the faculty senate does not have the power to remove leaders, making the resolution largely symbolic. The faculty senate expressed no confidence in the central administration's ability to effectively address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault at Cornell University. President Michael Kotlikoff, a target of Doe's allegations, was accused of asking her why she waited several weeks to report the incident.
Doe's lawyer, Thomas Giuffra, stated the Faculty Senate considered all available information before making their decision. The board of trustees, however, maintains confidence in Kotlikoff and his administration. Cornell has acknowledged falling short in handling Doe's case and has hired an independent review to assess the situation.
New York state prosecutors are also investigating the allegations, and Governor Kathy Hochul announced a state police investigation into future sexual offence complaints at the university.
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