Cornell faculty pass no-confidence vote over leadership's handling of Jane Doe allegations

November 6, 2026

Cornell University's faculty senate passed a symbolic no-confidence vote (75-50) regarding the administration's response to sexual assault issues following a lawsuit by a former student, known as Jane Doe, who alleges she was gang raped at a fraternity house in October 2024. The seven accused men have denied wrongdoing and face no criminal charges currently. While the faculty senate lacks authority to remove leaders, the vote rebukes university President Michael Kotlikoff, whom Jane Doe accuses of questioning her delayed reporting.

Who is affected

Jane Doe (former student and alleged victim)
Seven men accused of gang rape at Chi Phi fraternity
Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff and central administration
Cornell faculty senate members and academic staff
Cornell student body and campus community
Chi Phi fraternity organization
Board of trustees members, including chairwoman Anne Meinig Smalling

What action is being taken

Cornell has hired a former attorney general to conduct an independent review of the case
New York state prosecutors, led by Attorney General Letitia James, are carrying out an investigation to decide if criminal charges are warranted
Cornell has cancelled fraternity parties as part of recently announced measures
New York State Police are investigating sexual offense complaints at the university

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing institutional failures in addressing campus sexual assault at elite universities and raises critical questions about administrative accountability and student safety. The faculty's unprecedented no-confidence vote demonstrates deep fractures between academic staff and leadership over how seriously sexual assault allegations are treated, potentially affecting Cornell's reputation and ability to protect students. The involvement of state-level prosecutors and police signals that campus sexual assault cases may increasingly require external oversight when universities fail to adequately respond.

What's next

The independent review by the former attorney general will continue
New York state prosecutors will decide whether criminal charges are warranted
State police will investigate future sexual offense complaints at Cornell

Read full article from source: BBC