Cornell faculty vote ‘no confidence’ in university leadership after alleged fraternity gang rape

On Friday, Cornell University’s Faculty Senate voted 75-50 in favor of declaring "no confidence" in the university’s top leaders, according to an email sent to Faculty Senate members. This resolution was in response to a lawsuit filed by a former student, Jane Doe, who claimed she was gang raped at a fraternity party in 2024. The vote came after weeks of debate about whether the university’s handling of the allegations was appropriate and if enough was being done to prevent sexual misconduct on campus.

Faculty members expressed deep discontent, hoping the resolution would pressure the university’s trustees to address systemic failures. Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff defended his leadership, stating that replacing him would not solve complex issues and might harm the university’s reputation. He acknowledged that he had not read the campus police report but emphasized the need to determine the safety of fraternities and potentially restrict Greek life.

The lawsuit accused seven former members of the Chi Phi fraternity of rape, though all have denied the allegations. Cornell disciplined several of the accused students, but the investigation is ongoing, with the district attorney reopening it and handing it over to New York’s attorney general.