Cornell University Faculty Senate met Wednesday for a high-stakes session as members weighed a resolution of no confidence in the administration and pressed President Michael Kotlikoff over the handling of sexual misconduct claims. The Cornell University Faculty Senate gathering followed recent announcements of an outside review and new investigative measures.
The president faced pointed questions about the university’s response to allegations, including a 2024 report in which a student said she was gang-raped at a fraternity house. Earlier this month, the university said former Deputy U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates will lead a comprehensive independent review of how Cornell addresses sexual misconduct, including the 2024 case.
On Tuesday, Kotlikoff outlined additional steps, saying Cornell will work with New York State Police to arrange for independent experts to investigate sexual assault allegations.
Cornell University Faculty Senate weighs confidence in leadership
During the closed-door meeting, faculty debated whether they have confidence in the university’s leadership to respond to sexual assaults. Reporters and cameras were not permitted, according to the university, which said recording could inhibit debate. However, video obtained by an investigative reporter through a source provided a glimpse into the exchanges.
In one clip, a speaker asked Kotlikoff to specify the types of assaults outside investigators would examine and the time period to be covered. Kotlikoff replied that the effort is a board-directed review with a broad mandate. He said he does not dictate its scope, did not know how far back it would go, and added the administration is open to the reviewers’ requests.
Another segment captured a speaker alleging the administration has suppressed academic freedom and student speech in recent years. When Kotlikoff asked what academic speech had been restricted, the speaker responded that since 2023 the administration has punished more than 80 students for nonviolent speech.
Faculty members are scheduled to meet again on Oct. 28. Voting on the no-confidence resolution will open after that session and remain available for about one week.
Some faculty told reporters that the 2024 case represents only part of a larger problem, saying other current and former students have described sexual assaults but were afraid to report them. All seven men accused in the 2024 case have denied the allegations.
The announcement that Yates would lead the independent review follows recent debate over how the Justice Department handles high-profile internal rules and oversight of its own leaders.