Cornell Faculty Vote: No-Confidence Resolution Targets Administration

Cornell University faculty will cast anonymous electronic ballots beginning Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. to decide whether to pass a no-confidence resolution against the university administration. The voting window remains open through November 6. This procedural step follows a contentious closed session on October 14 where faculty members confronted President Michael Kotlikoff regarding the institution's response to a sexual assault report.

The catalyst for the vote is a lawsuit filed last month by a woman known in court documents as Jane Doe. She alleges that seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity gang raped or sexually exploited her in October 2024. She also claims the university mishandled her complaints. All seven accused men have denied the allegations. A criminal investigation by Cornell Police stalled when the local district attorney declined to pursue charges.

In an audio recording of the October 14 meeting obtained by The Associated Press, Kotlikoff addressed the faculty directly. He acknowledged some missteps in the university's handling of the case but defended his leadership record. When a faculty member asked if he had read the police department's report on the rape allegations, Kotlikoff admitted he had not. He explained that university policy keeps top administrators out of criminal investigations to preserve confidentiality.

"I really reject the idea that I had no interest in it or was not concerned about it," Kotlikoff said during the session. He urged faculty to allow him more time to implement reforms and change student social culture. He argued that replacing the president would damage Cornell's reputation and that experienced leadership is necessary to confront these problems.

Faculty members also questioned the return of a disciplined student to campus. Specifically, they raised concerns about his assignment to a shared dorm room with a roommate who was unaware of his disciplinary history. Several senators warned that a hasty vote might not fix underlying issues, while others stated they had lost confidence in the administration's ability to combat sexual assault.

Kotlikoff became interim president in July 2024 and was confirmed for the role permanently last year. His tenure has included a dining and custodial workers strike and a $60 million settlement with the Trump administration to resolve civil rights investigations. Activists have also accused his administration of stifling campus protests.

Wednesday's meeting is closed to the public and media. A faculty no-confidence vote is largely symbolic, but it could influence the university trustees, who hold the final authority on leadership decisions.