Cornell University commenced a no-confidence vote targeting President Michael Kotlikoff on Thursday, with the voting period set to conclude on November 6. The initiative, led by faculty members including Paul Ortiz, emerged from widespread criticism of the university’s response to an alleged sexual assault case.
A lawsuit filed last month describes allegations that a female student, identified as Jane Doe, was drugged and gang raped by seven male students at a fraternity residence in 2024. The case has prompted institutional examination regarding whether Cornell acted with adequate urgency or potentially minimized the allegations to safeguard institutional reputation. The university implemented initial responses including shutting down the fraternity and suspending the male students involved, with two subsequently expelled.
Faculty deliberations on the no-confidence measure reflected divided perspectives, with some advocating for postponement while others contended the vote represented a necessary institutional response to perceived administrative hesitation on the matter. Twenty female science and engineering faculty members sent a letter to trustees urging Kotlikoff’s resignation, characterizing the institutional response as a “leadership vacuum.”
Kotlikoff issued a statement earlier in the month expressing remorse and outlining preliminary institutional actions in response to the case. The no-confidence vote, while non-binding, could signal faculty dissatisfaction with current leadership.
Separately, two individuals accused in connection with the alleged assault have sought removal of New York Attorney General Letitia James from oversight of the renewed criminal investigation, citing social media statements she made expressing support for the accuser prior to her appointment. A judge on Thursday appeared skeptical of one such challenge, with James’ office characterizing the motions as lacking legal merit.
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