Cornell faculty vote to signal distrust of administration after 75-50 resolution

Cornell University faculty voted 75 to 50 on Friday to declare a lack of confidence in the institution's top leadership. The resolution, which passed with five abstentions and five non-votes, serves as a formal expression of dissatisfaction among professors regarding the university's handling of a high-profile sexual assault case.

The vote stems from a lawsuit filed in mid-September by a former student, identified in court documents as Jane Doe. The suit names the university and seven former members of the Chi Phi fraternity, alleging the woman was administered ketamine and raped at a fraternity house in October 2024. All seven men have denied the allegations, claiming the encounter was consensual or that they were not involved.

The legal dispute has triggered a multi-layered institutional response. Cornell disciplined several of the accused students following a months-long Title IX investigation. Two students were expelled, while two others received suspensions and probation. Two additional men were required to complete bystander training and write reflection papers. A seventh man, who had already graduated, was barred from campus.

The local district attorney initially determined the woman had consented to the encounter and closed the criminal case. That decision was later reversed, and the investigation has been reopened and handed to the New York state attorney general. This shift in legal oversight has intensified scrutiny on university administrators.

President Michael Kotlikoff defended his leadership during a debate among faculty senators. He argued that replacing him would do little to solve complex operational problems and could damage the university's reputation. Kotlikoff noted that university policy bars top administrators from interfering in criminal investigations, which he cited as the reason he did not read the campus police report.

Kotlikoff also addressed the future of Greek life at the institution. He stated that the university needs to determine whether fraternities can operate safely and left open the possibility of sweeping restrictions. He urged the community to base decisions on research and evidence rather than emotion, while asking for more time to implement changes.

Critics within the faculty argued that the administration moved too slowly to strengthen disciplinary processes or push for criminal investigations. Paul Ortiz, a labor history professor and co-sponsor of the resolution, said that hundreds of students, staff, and alumni contacted the sponsors. They argued that the Jane Doe case represented only a small fraction of a larger issue of silence surrounding sexual violence on campus.

Anne Smalling, the chair of the Board of Trustees, acknowledged the vote in a statement. She said the result reflects deep anger across the campus and sends a clear signal that the incident was unacceptable. However, she maintained that Kotlikoff and his administration are the right leaders to address the issue thoughtfully.

Thomas Giuffra, the attorney for the woman who filed the lawsuit, said the vote is a step forward in educating the Cornell community. He described the goal as addressing the longstanding issue of sexual assault on campus. The resolution itself did not call for Kotlikoff's resignation, but it sets the stage for further demands for reform.

Yasmeen Masoud, a Cornell junior, spoke at a news conference organized by the resolution's sponsors. She said the vote is encouraging for students who have felt 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, another co-sponsor, said the vote is only the beginning of a push for sweeping reforms.