Cornell Approves No-Confidence Vote Amid Sexual Assault Controversy - Newsweek

Cornell University told Newsweek it remains "confident" in its school administrators after the Faculty Senate approved a vote of no confidence on Friday.

The vote follows mounting criticism over the university's response to a lawsuit accusing Cornell of mishandling an investigation into an alleged 2024 fraternity gang rape.

Friday's vote is non-binding and does not have the power to remove school president Michael Kotlikoff or other administrators. Only Cornell's Board of Trustees can make that decision.

"The Board of Trustees remains confident that President Kotlikoff and his administration are the right leaders to thoughtfully and comprehensively address the serious problem of sexual assault on our campus," Cornell University Board Chair Anne Smalling told Newsweek Friday. "This confidence is rooted not only in the administration’s actions to date and plans moving forward but also in its track record of navigating complex problems."

Labor History Professor Paul Ortiz introduced the resolution in October, arguing that the case involving an alleged victim identified as Jane Doe raised broader concerns about how the university handles sexual assault complaints. More than a dozen Faculty Senate members co-sponsored the resolution, while more than 160 faculty members across the university expressed support.

Opponents argued that faculty did not have sufficient information to evaluate the university's handling of the allegations.

In response to the controversy, Cornell hired former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates to conduct an independent review of its sexual assault policies and procedures.

Smalling told Newsweek that the school will address the issues highlighted by Yates' review, and that Kotlikoff and his team also have their own plan to improve student safety, improve support for survivors, and address "aspects of our campus culture that must change."

"They have already taken several important steps to this end, including adding staff to the Cornell Office of Civil Rights, expanding in-person sexual assault prevention education, and hiring more victim advocates. The administration will continue to build on that progress with more initiatives to be launched in the weeks and months ahead."

Meanwhile, New York Attorney General Letitia James is overseeing a criminal investigation into the allegations after being appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul. James recently selected former federal prosecutor Jacqueline Kelly to lead the investigation.

The faculty vote comes as pressure on Cornell's leadership continues to grow, with students and faculty groups also calling for Kotlikoff's resignation.

Smalling acknowledged that the vote "reflects the deep anger across our campus and sends a clear signal that what happened to Jane Doe is unacceptable," adding that "there is no place for sexual violence on the Cornell campus."

However, she reiterated that the board of trustees "fully supports President Kotlikoff and his administration as they continue to listen and act decisively in support of students."

This is breaking news, updates to follow.