Cornell begins no confidence vote over handling of alleged gang rape | Sexual Assault News
Cornell University Faculty Initiates No-Confidence Vote Amid Sexual Assault Controversy
Published October 29, 2026
Cornell University has commenced a no-confidence vote regarding its leadership in response to an alleged gang rape incident that has ignited significant public concern over sexual assault on college campuses and led to scrutiny of the university’s response.
The faculty’s vote began on Thursday and is expected to conclude by November 6. While the outcome is non-binding, it may reflect a loss of confidence in President Michael Kotlikoff among faculty members.
Paul Ortiz, the lead faculty sponsor of the resolution, stated, “Hundreds of students, staff, faculty, and alumni approached the sponsors of this resolution to emphasize to us that the Jane Doe case is but a tip of the iceberg.”
A lawsuit filed last month alleges that a female student, referred to as Jane Doe, was drugged and gang-raped by seven male students at a fraternity house in 2024. The case has prompted questions regarding whether the university acted swiftly enough or if it downplayed the allegations to protect its reputation. Following the incident, the university shuttered the fraternity and suspended the male students, with two ultimately expelled.
During a faculty meeting on Wednesday, there was discussion about possibly postponing the no-confidence vote. Some members urged caution, while others insisted that the vote was necessary in light of the administration’s reluctance to adequately address the issue.
According to the Associated Press, this debate was fueled by a letter from a group of 20 female faculty members in the science and engineering departments, who called for Kotlikoff’s resignation. The letter described a “leadership vacuum” within the university.
In an earlier statement, President Kotlikoff acknowledged the community’s distress, saying, “I am deeply sorry for the harm Jane Doe suffered in 2024, and appalled that this act of sexual violence occurred within our Cornell community.”
Adding to the controversy, two of the accused individuals are seeking the removal of New York Attorney General Letitia James from her role overseeing the renewed criminal investigation into the case. They cite social media posts from James expressing support for the accuser prior to her appointment as grounds for their request. A judge appeared skeptical of the challenges presented, while James’ office has stated that the claims are “without merit.”
