{
  "id": 18627474,
  "title": "Cornell faculty declares 'no confidence' in university leadership",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/cornell-faculty-declares-no-confidence-in-university-leadership",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-07T03:14:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "DW News",
    "slug": "dw-news",
    "url": "https://www.dw.com/en/cornell-faculty-declares-no-confidence-in-university-leadership/a-79882895?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Cornell University's Faculty Senate has voted 75-50 to express \"no confidence\" in the administration's handling of a sexual assault crisis on campus. The resolution, which passed despite five abstentions and five non-votes, reflects growing frustration among faculty members over the university's response to allegations of sexual misconduct. The vote comes after a former student, identified only as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit against the university and seven former members of the Chi Phi fraternity, alleging she was drugged and raped at a fraternity house in October 2024. The university has since closed the fraternity chapter, disciplined several students, and closed the investigation, though it has been reopened and handed to New York's attorney general. Faculty members have criticized President Michael Kotlikoff for not taking more decisive action to strengthen disciplinary processes, push for criminal investigations, and address campus party culture. The university's Board Chair, Anne Smalling, acknowledged the vote reflects deep anger on campus but also expressed support for the administration. President Kotlikoff has not yet responded to the faculty vote, which he has noted will be addressed in writing within 30 days. Faculty members plan to push for sweeping reforms following the vote, with Iris Packman, a co-sponsor of the resolution, stating the decision is just the beginning of their efforts.",
  "summary": "The university leadership has faced intense criticism for its handling of sexual crimes on campus since a former student filed a lawsuit saying she was drugged and raped at a fraternity house in October 2024.",
  "key_points": [
    "Cornell Faculty Senate votes 75-50 to express no confidence in administration.",
    "Former student Jane Doe files lawsuit alleging sexual assault at Chi Phi fraternity.",
    "Faculty demands reforms, citing President Kotlikoff's perceived lack of decisive action."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The faculty's formal rebuke signals a breakdown in institutional trust that shifts the battle over campus safety and disciplinary reform from administrative oversight to a public struggle for accountability.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}