Cornell faculty senate votes no confidence in administration’s handling of sexual assault

Members of the Cornell University faculty senate on Friday issued a vote of no confidence in the administration’s ability to manage the response to an alleged sexual assault at a fraternity house in 2024, according to the university. The governing body took up the issue after a former student, known as Jane Doe, alleged she was sexually assaulted and forced to take drugs at the Chi Phi fraternity house from Oct. 19 to 20, 2024. The allegations, detailed in a lawsuit the woman filed in September, led to widespread criticism of the university and calls for reform from students and alumni. The senate’s resolution states that the body “has no confidence in the ability of the central administration to effectively address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault at Cornell University.” It does not recommend removals or suggest how to manage the controversy’s fallout.

It passed by a vote of 75-50, with five abstentions and five members not voting, according to a copy of the results obtained by NBC News. The vote will not directly affect leadership decisions at the institution, including whether President Michael Kotlikoff remains in his role. The board of trustees, which has the authority to replace him, can consider the finding in its decisions but suggested in a statement Friday that no immediate changes were expected. “The