Cornell University’s faculty senate passed the no-confidence resolution by a 75-50 margin following a lawsuit filed by a former student known as Jane Doe. The legal action alleges that seven men assaulted her at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024, an accusation all named individuals deny. In response to mounting public scrutiny, the school acknowledged procedural shortcomings, suspended fraternity parties, and retained a former attorney general to lead an independent inquiry. New York state authorities have also intervened, launching a criminal review while shifting future university sex crime investigations to state police.
Key points
Cornell's faculty senate formally rebuked central administrators despite lacking the lega…: Cornell's faculty senate formally rebuked central administrators despite lacking the legal authority to remove university officials.
State officials stepped in after local prosecutors initially declined to pursue criminal…: State officials stepped in after local prosecutors initially declined to pursue criminal charges against the seven accused individuals.
University administrators acknowledged procedural missteps, halted fraternity parties, an…: University administrators acknowledged procedural missteps, halted fraternity parties, and commissioned an outside review of their response.
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Cornell University's academic staff have passed a vote of no confidence over its leadership's handling of what staff call a "crisis of sexual assault" after a former student alleged she was gang raped while attending.
The woman, known anonymously as Jane Doe, is suing her former school and the fraternity over an alleged incident involving several men at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024.
All seven of the accused have denied wrongdoing when contacted by the BBC's US partner CBS. None has been charged with a crime.
Friday's no confidence vote passed by 75 votes to 50. It is largely symbolic because the faculty senate does not have the power to remove leaders.
The resolution states that the faculty senate, which represents academic staff, "has no confidence in the ability of the central administration to effectively address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault at Cornell University".
It did not make any specific recommendations or suggest what administrators did wrong in response to the accusation.
It is a rebuke of university leaders including President Michael Kotlikoff, whom…
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