# Cornell Faculty Senate Issues No-Confidence Vote Over Sexual Assault Response Faculty members rebuke leadership following handling of a 2024 gang rape allegation. - **Source:** [PBS NewsHour](https://www.pbs.org/newshour) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/717112be-cc26-4ce4-ab4e-14d8a36c57d3 ## Historic Faculty Rebuke Cornell University's Faculty Senate passed a no-confidence resolution against President Michael Kotlikoff and his administration. The vote, which passed 75-50, marks the first such condemnation in the body's 56-year history. While the measure is symbolic and lacks the power to force resignations, it signals deep institutional discontent regarding sexual violence. ## The Jane Doe Case The controversy stems from a 2024 lawsuit filed by a former student, identified as Jane Doe. She alleges she was drugged with ketamine and gang-raped at a Chi Phi fraternity house. Seven former members were named in the suit, all of whom have denied the allegations, claiming consent or non-involvement. ## Administrative Response Criticized Critics argue the administration’s response, including a task force and fraternity party bans, was insufficient. Faculty sponsors described these measures as slow-moving and performative PR damage control. They demand systemic changes, including transparent investigations, reform of Title IX processes, and a fundamental shift in the university's approach to campus culture. ## Board of Trustees Stance Board Chair Anne Smalling acknowledged the campus anger but reaffirmed full support for President Kotlikoff. She stated the administration is the correct leadership to address sexual assault comprehensively. The board is currently awaiting an independent investigation led by former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to identify necessary systemic fixes. ## Legal and Disciplinary Actions Cornell previously conducted a Title IX investigation, resulting in two expulsions, two suspensions, and two requirements for reflection papers. A seventh student had already graduated. Meanwhile, New York Attorney General Letitia James is overseeing a criminal investigation, though some accused men are legally challenging her involvement due to alleged bias. ## President Kotlikoff's Defense President Kotlikoff defended his tenure, arguing that his removal would not solve complex problems and could harm the university's reputation. He maintained that university policy prevented him from interfering in criminal investigations. He has since pledged to make Cornell a leader in addressing sexual assault through evidence-based safety measures. ## The Role of Title IX Title IX is a federal civil rights law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education programs. At Cornell, faculty have accused the administration of weaponizing these procedures against survivors. The ongoing debate highlights tensions between institutional disciplinary processes and the need for trauma-informed investigations that prioritize survivor support and genuine accountability. ## Fraternity Culture Under Scrutiny The incident has forced a broader examination of Greek life at Cornell. The administration has implemented temporary bans on fraternity parties and is evaluating whether these organizations can operate safely. Faculty sponsors argue that addressing hazing and the underlying culture of these houses is essential for long-term campus safety. ## Demands for Future Reform Faculty members are calling for concrete steps beyond the current administration's plan. Their demands include full transparency regarding the upcoming Yates report, the implementation of independent law enforcement partnerships for investigations, and a complete overhaul of how sanctions are applied to perpetrators to ensure they are held strictly accountable. ## Path Toward Rebuilding The vote represents a turning point for the university community. Supporters of the resolution hope it serves as a catalyst for rebuilding Cornell into a safer environment. The focus now shifts to whether the administration can regain faculty trust while navigating the ongoing criminal probe and the findings of the independent investigation. ## Sources covering this story - [CBS News – Latest — Cornell Faculty Senate Passes No-Confidence Vote Against Administration](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cornell-faculty-senates-no-confidence-vote-results/) - [CBS News – U.S. — Cornell Faculty Senate Issues No-Confidence Vote Against Administration](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cornell-faculty-senates-no-confidence-vote-results/) - [ABC News – Top Stories — Cornell Faculty Senate Passes No-Confidence Vote Against Leadership](https://abcnews.com/US/cornell-faculty-senate-release-result-confidence-vote/story?id=137911777) - [PBS NewsHour — Cornell Faculty Passes No-Confidence Vote Over Sexual Assault Response](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/cornell-faculty-vote-no-confidence-in-university-leadership-after-alleged-fraternity-gang-rape) - [The Independent – News — Cornell Faculty Vote No Confidence in Leadership Over Sexual Assault Lawsuit](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/cornell-no-confidence-vote-gang-rape-b3080843.html) - [NBC News – Top Stories — Cornell Faculty Senate Issues No Confidence Vote Over Sexual Assault Response](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/education/cornell-faculty-senate-issues-no-confidence-vote-administrations-handl-rcna607286) - [NDTV – Top Stories — Cornell Faculty Senate Declares No Confidence In University Leadership](https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/cornell-faculty-senate-declares-no-confidence-in-university-leadership-12295089#publisher=newsstand) - [Sky News – Home — Cornell Faculty Issues No-Confidence Vote Against University Leadership](https://news.sky.com/story/cornell-faculty-vote-no-confidence-in-university-leadership-after-alleged-gang-rape-13609090) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. 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