Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff acknowledged he did not follow up on a 2024 gang rape allegation at a fraternity house. Faculty are debating a no-confidence resolution amid campus unrest.
Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff has acknowledged that he did not follow up on a 2024 report of a gang rape at a fraternity house, a revelation that has intensified scrutiny of his administration. In an interview with The New York Times, Kotlikoff stated he was unaware until recently that the accuser, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, had dropped out of the university.
The admission came as the Cornell Faculty Senate began debating a nonbinding resolution of no confidence in Kotlikoff’s leadership. The meeting, described by attendees as contentious, highlighted a divide on campus regarding how to address the university's handling of sexual assault reports.
Grant Farred, a professor of Africana Studies and English, noted that the institution is "split in significant ways," with humanities faculty feeling they had enough information to proceed while science faculty sought more data. Iris Packman, a member of the faculty senate, said Kotlikoff appeared "defensive" and tried to "control the narrative."
Paul Ortiz, a labor history professor and lead sponsor of the resolution, stated the debate was driven by the perception that the administration was not doing enough to address "a perpetual ongoing crisis." The resolution requires a simple majority of the approximately 130 voting members to pass. Electronic voting is scheduled to follow further debate on Oct. 28.
Kotlikoff defended his leadership during the closed-door session, arguing that replacing the president would harm Cornell’s reputation and that experienced leadership is necessary to confront complex problems. He stated, "I really reject the idea that I had no interest in it or was not concerned about it," regarding the investigation.
On Tuesday, Kotlikoff announced several measures, including a ban on fraternity parties through the end of the academic year and plans to involve state police in investigating sexual assault reports. He said these steps are "first steps toward systemic change."
However, some faculty members questioned the timing of the announcements. Anne Marie Brady, a senior extension associate at Cornell’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, welcomed the involvement of state police but called the timing "a bit disingenuous" given it occurred just before the Senate debate.
The controversy stems from a lawsuit filed by Jane Doe, who alleges she was sexually assaulted by seven Chi Phi fraternity members in October 2024. All accused men have denied wrongdoing, and none have been charged with a crime. Two of the seven are still enrolled at Cornell.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten initially declined to pursue charges but reopened the investigation after the lawsuit was filed. New York Governor Kathy Hochul subsequently removed Van Houten from the case, appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor, and ordered an independent review of Cornell’s handling of the allegations.
Student reactions to the new fraternity party ban have been mixed. A Change.org petition opposing the ban has gathered more than 1,000 signatures. The petition argues that "accountability is not the same as collective punishment" and that banning fraternity events may push social life into less regulated environments, potentially worsening safety issues.
The case has drawn national attention to the handling of sexual assault allegations on college campuses. It highlights tensions between administrative authority and faculty oversight, as well as the challenges universities face in balancing student safety with due process. The outcome of the faculty vote, while symbolic, could pressure Cornell’s trustees to take further action regarding university leadership and policy.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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