Cornell faculty senate introduces no-confidence resolution over handling of alleged 2024 sexual assault

Add to GoogleCornell faculty plan vote of no confidence against administrators02:11Get more newsonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleOct. 6, 2026, 8:54 AM EDT / Updated Oct. 6, 2026, 9:52 AM EDTBy Adam Reiss, Matt Lavietes and Maggie VespaCornell University faculty introduced a resolution declaring a no-confidence vote in the university administration’s handling of the alleged 2024 sexual assault at a fraternity house.

The resolution was submitted to the University Faculty Committee on Monday evening, according to a copy obtained by NBC News.

“That the Faculty Senate has no confidence in the ability of the central administration to effectively address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault at Cornell University,” the resolution, which is less than half a page, says.

The measure is expected to be considered by the faculty senate, which meets Oct. 14, according to a statement from faculty senator Paul Ortiz.

“The goal is to really force systemic change,” Ortiz, a professor of labor history, said in a statement.

Ortiz added that “students have been telling us stories they don’t feel safe, and this has been going on for a number of years” and called the situation a “systemic problem.” He reiterated that the senate was not “targeting any individual” but that the students and faculty “have been unsatisfied with the response.”

“Women need to feel safe,” he said.

In a statement accompanying the resolution, the faculty sponsors said “numerous Cornell colleagues” had approached them demanding action, while students had told faculty they were “upset, fearful for their personal safety,” and wanted the Ivy League school to address sexual assault on campus.

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Cornell did not immediately return a request for comment.

The proposed no-confidence resolution marks an escalation in pressure on Cornell and its administration following national scrutiny over how the case was handled. Last month, a former student identified as Jane Doe sued the university and seven current and former students in connection with the alleged sexual assault.

She alleges that in October 2024 she was sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members while she was impaired by alcohol, ketamine and marijuana.

The woman’s allegations have made national headlines for days and prompted protests on the university’s campus after widespread criticism that the university and local officials did not do enough to investigate the woman’s allegations.

Adam ReissAdam Reiss is a reporter and producer for NBC and MSNBC.

Matt LavietesI’m a reporter on NBC News’ breaking news team, covering crime, extreme weather, pop culture and more. I recently covered Hurricane Milton, which devastated the Tampa, Florida, metropolitan area, and the student-led protests at Columbia University.