The Cornell University Faculty Senate voted to express no confidence in the university’s administration on Friday. The resolution passed with 55.6 percent of the 135 faculty senators voting in favor, while 37 percent opposed the measure and 7.4 percent abstained.
The no-confidence vote comes approximately one month after a former student made allegations of violent rape, prompting scrutiny of how the institution addresses sexual assault complaints on campus. Faculty members who supported the resolution contended that President Michael Kotlikoff’s response to the allegations was delayed and that the university requires substantial improvements in its approach to sexual misconduct cases. Risa Lieberwitz, a faculty co-sponsor of the resolution, characterized the central administration’s approach as reactive rather than strategic, stating that the lack of systemic leadership has damaged confidence among students, faculty, and staff members.
In response to the vote, Board of Trustees Chair Anne Meinig Smalling issued a statement affirming the board’s continued confidence in Kotlikoff and his administration. Smalling cited the leadership team’s prior success in addressing other institutional challenges, including the restoration of federal funding, free speech protections, and pandemic response efforts. According to the statement, the administration has already implemented several initiatives related to sexual assault prevention and survivor support, including expanded staffing at the Cornell Office of Civil Rights, enhanced in-person prevention education programs, and additional victim advocates. Smalling indicated that additional measures addressing campus culture and student safety are planned for coming weeks and months.
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