Cornell faculty vote no confidence in president over fraternity rape case

Cornell University faculty voted on Friday to declare no confidence in the institution's top leadership, a symbolic move driven by a 2024 lawsuit alleging a gang rape at a fraternity party. The Faculty Senate passed the resolution 75-50, with five members abstaining and five others not voting, according to an email sent to members on Friday afternoon.

The vote reflects deep discontent among professors over how University President Michael Kotlikoff and other administrators handled the allegations. Although the faculty body holds no direct power over top leaders, supporters of the resolution aimed to pressure the Board of Trustees to fix longstanding institutional failures. Board Chair Anne Smalling stated the vote reflects deep anger across the campus but affirmed that Kotlikoff is the right leader to address the issue comprehensively.

The legal dispute began in mid-September when a former student, known in court as Jane Doe, sued the university and seven former members of the Chi Phi fraternity. She alleged she was given ketamine and raped at a fraternity house in October 2024. All seven men denied the allegations, claiming the encounter was consensual or that they were not involved. A local district attorney initially found no crime occurred, but the case was reopened and transferred to the New York state attorney general.

Cornell completed a Title IX investigation that resulted in varied disciplinary actions. Two students were expelled, two received suspensions and probation, and two completed bystander training and reflection papers. A seventh man, who had already graduated, was barred from campus. President Kotlikoff convened a task force to study sexual misconduct and proposed potential restrictions on Greek life based on research and evidence rather than emotion.

Critics argued the administration did not act forcefully enough to strengthen disciplinary processes or push for criminal investigations. Paul Ortiz, a labor history professor and co-sponsor of the resolution, said hundreds of community members approached sponsors to state that the Jane Doe case is a tip of the iceberg. He noted that a fortress of silence around sexual violence has been breached since the resolution's introduction.

Kotlikoff defended his leadership to the Faculty Senate, arguing that replacing him would not solve complex problems and could damage the university's reputation. He acknowledged he had not read the campus police report due to policy but rejected claims of indifference. He pledged to make the university a leader in addressing sexual assault while asking for more time to implement changes.

Yasmeen Masoud, a Cornell junior, said the vote encourages students who feel frustrated with the university's response. She stated that students should not have to beg for answers or generate media attention to get their concerns acknowledged. Iris Packman, a co-sponsor, said the vote is only the beginning and that faculty will push for sweeping reforms. The resolution did not call for Kotlikoff's resignation.