Cornell faculty vote on confidence in handling of sexual assault

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 15:42 · Archive

Cornell University faculty will vote on a no-confidence resolution over the administration's response to a reported gang rape at a campus fraternity.

The Cornell University Faculty Senate will begin voting Wednesday on whether the university's central administration can effectively address sexual assault on campus. The vote follows heated debate at an October 14 meeting where faculty confronted President Michael Kotlikoff about the university's response to allegations.

A woman reported being gang raped by seven Chi Phi fraternity members in October 2024. She said she reported the incident to the university, but no criminal charges were filed. She later filed a lawsuit alleging Cornell mishandled her complaints. All seven men have denied the allegations.

In an audio recording obtained by The Associated Press, Kotlikoff acknowledged missteps and defended his leadership, asking for more time to implement reforms. He said he did not read the Cornell Police Department's report on the allegations, attributing this to confidentiality and university policy that top administrators should not involve themselves in criminal investigations. Faculty members and students have contacted senators expressing concern about safety on campus and frustration with the university's response. The no-confidence vote has no power to force action but signals pressure on the administration.

How it is being reported

• Cornell Faculty Senate to begin no-confidence vote over gang rape allegation responseAmid accusations of mishandling gang rape allegations, Kotlikoff warned staff that replacing a president would harm Cornell’s reputationIndependent World · 28 Oct, 17:27
• Cornell to start vote on no-confidence resolution over response to alleged frat gang rapeCornell faculty will vote on a no-confidence resolution against President Michael Kotlikoff over his handling of a 2024 fraternity gang rape case.New York Post · 28 Oct, 15:22
• Cornell faculty senate to begin no-confidence vote over sexual assaultThe Cornell University faculty senate will begin voting Wednesday on a no-confidence resolution on the school's handling of sexual violence on campus.UPI · 28 Oct, 13:42

In this story: Cornell University · Michael Kotlikoff · Chi Phi

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