The Faculty Senate at Cornell University has expressed significant dissatisfaction with the institution’s administration, voting overwhelmingly in favour of a resolution declaring no confidence in its ability to effectively respond to issues related to sexual assault on campus. This decision was reached on November 6, 2026, with the Senate recording 75 votes in favour, 50 against, and five abstentions.
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This resolution comes amidst intense scrutiny regarding the university’s handling of sexual assault allegations made by a former student, referred to as Jane Doe. Doe has alleged that she was drugged with ketamine and subsequently gang-raped by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity in a house off-campus in 2024. This case, coupled with the university’s response, has drawn widespread criticism from students, faculty, and alumni who are questioning the effectiveness of Cornell’s policies for addressing sexual misconduct.
The Faculty Senate’s resolution was introduced by a group of faculty members, led by Paul Ortiz from the ILR School, in October. The co-sponsors of the resolution expressed that they had received numerous messages from the Cornell community, indicating a palpable sense of fear and frustration concerning personal safety and the administration’s handling of sexual assault issues. Their statement underscored the need for a more proactive approach from the university in addressing these serious concerns.
More than just academic, the issue resonates personally with many within the Cornell community. The co-sponsors reported that some alumni reached out with their own troubling experiences during their time at the university, voicing dissatisfaction with how similar incidents had been resolved in the past. Their appeals highlighted the urgent need for Cornell to take a more transparent and effective stance against sexual assault on campus.
In light of the allegations made by Jane Doe, Cornell had conducted a Title IX investigation. According to reports, this investigation led to various disciplinary actions against the accused fraternity members. While two individuals were expelled, two others were suspended, and three received lesser penalties such as writing reflection papers. Despite the administrative response, the accused have maintained their innocence, and no criminal charges have been filed against them.
Criticism has also been directed at President Michael Kotlikoff, particularly regarding his delayed public response to the lawsuit. His initial silence of over two weeks following the public revelation of the case raised eyebrows among the university community and beyond, further fuelling the discontent expressed in the Faculty Senate’s resolution.
In response to the vote of no confidence, the university’s Board of Trustees issued a statement acknowledging the anger within the community. The chair of the Board, Anne Meinig Smalling, reiterated their support for Kotlikoff, asserting that the President is committed to fostering a safer environment for students and addressing the occurrence of sexual violence at Cornell. The Board highlighted ongoing efforts to bolster student safety, including staffing enhancements within the Office of Civil Rights and a broadening of educational programmes aimed at preventing sexual assault.
Furthermore, the university has initiated an independent review of its policies and procedures surrounding sexual misconduct, led by former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates. The findings and recommendations from this review are expected to be shared with the community, in hopes of rectifying any identified shortcomings.
While the Faculty Senate’s move conveys a significant sentiment of disapproval from faculty, it is important to note that it does not bestow the authority to remove university leadership, as ultimate governance lies with the Board of Trustees.
This ongoing situation at Cornell University has stirred considerable debate about institutional responses to serious allegations of sexual violence and the wider implications for campus safety. Amidst this turmoil, calls for accountability and more decisive action are likely to persist, reflecting a community deeply concerned about the welfare and security of its members.
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