Cornell president admits he never followed up on gang rape allegation ahead of no-confidence debate

Key Points:

• Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff acknowledged in a recent interview that he did not follow up on a 2024 reported gang rape case at a fraternity house, nor was he aware until recently of the student's dropout or disciplinary actions against accused students.
• The alleged gang rape case at the Chi Phi fraternity has drawn national attention, with a lawsuit filed by the victim, leading to investigations, a ban on fraternity parties, and state police involvement in sexual assault investigations.
• The Cornell Faculty Senate is debating a no-confidence resolution against Kotlikoff's administration over concerns about mishandling sexual assault reports, with some faculty calling for his resignation amid fears of institutional barriers and retaliation for complainants.
• Associate music professor Ariana Kim, a co-sponsor of the resolution, criticized the administration's lack of follow-up on the victim's case and shared her own experiences of harassment and institutional failures, highlighting ongoing challenges for victims and whistleblowers at Cornell.
• Faculty members, including co-sponsor Anne Marie Brady, questioned the independence of Cornell University Police in investigating sexual misconduct, welcoming state police involvement but criticizing the timing of the administration's response as coinciding with the Senate debate.