Cornell faculty declares no confidence in university leaders over handling of sexual abuse case

Cornell University's faculty senate approved a resolution of no confidence in the administration's handling of a sexual assault crisis, after a former student sued the university over an alleged 2024 gang rape. The vote was 55.6% in favor, 37% against, and 7.4% abstained. The board of trustees expressed support for President Michael Kotlikoff.

Cornell University's faculty senate approved a resolution of no confidence in the administration's ability to handle what it has called a sexual assault crisis, after a former student sued the university for not protecting her from an alleged 2024 gang rape. The resolution, which 55.6% of elected faculty senators who cast votes supported, is a condemnation of Cornell's leadership from its major legislative and advisory body, but has no concrete consequences. The tally showed 37% voted against it and 7.4% abstained, Cornell University spokesperson Rebecca Valli said. The former student, identified by the pseudonym Jane Doe in court documents, alleged in her civil complaint that Cornell failed to protect her from being raped. In response, Cornell University Board Chair Anne Smalling expressed the board of trustees' support for University President Michael Kotlikoff and the administration. Kotlikoff has not responded to the university about the vote outcome. Faculty senator Risa Lieberwitz, who co-sponsored the resolution, said the administration failed to address the sexual assault problem in a systemic way. Dean of Faculty Chris Schaffer opposed the resolution, saying it did not articulate specific failures or consequences.