Cornell president faces contentious faculty senate meeting over Jane Doe allegations

Key Points:

• Cornell University faculty senate convened to discuss a no-confidence vote against President Michael Kotlikoff over the administration's handling of a 2024 sexual assault allegation at a fraternity house, amid widespread concern from students and staff.
• Kotlikoff defended the university's response, emphasizing the need for systemic change and collaboration rather than leadership replacement, while announcing a ban on fraternity parties for the remainder of the academic year.
• A former student, Jane Doe, sued Cornell and several students over the alleged assault; the university had previously closed the Chi Phi fraternity chapter and disciplined involved students, with an independent investigation now underway led by Sally Yates.
• Faculty members criticized the administration for delayed and insufficient action on sexual assault issues, citing rising rates of nonconsensual sexual contact reported in university surveys and questioning the sincerity of recent measures.
• The faculty senate's no-confidence resolution debate continues, with some advocating for immediate action and others waiting for the results of ongoing investigations, while external probes by the New York Attorney General's office are also in progress.