Cornell faculty prepare no-confidence vote against administration over handling of alleged sexual assault case

Key Points:

• Cornell University Faculty Senate plans a vote of no confidence against the administration over its handling of the 2024 alleged gang rape case, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction among faculty, students, and alumni demanding accountability and reform.
• Hundreds of protesters gathered on campus, expressing anger and calling for resignations, while some groups are organizing a seven-hour sit-in in solidarity with the survivor known as Jane Doe.
• Concerns have been raised about the thoroughness of the campus police investigation, the local district attorney’s decision not to file charges, and the adequacy of the university’s internal response; the New York Attorney General has been appointed as special prosecutor to oversee the case.
• New evidence reveals Cornell police drafted letters to wireless carriers to preserve data related to the investigation, but it is unclear if these requests were acted upon or shared with prosecutors, who reportedly declined to review additional evidence beyond Doe’s statement.
• One accused student has hired high-profile defense attorney Teny Geragos, while Doe and her legal team face threats and attempts to reveal her identity amid ongoing calls for justice and institutional change.