Cornell University faculty filed a resolution on Monday evening declaring a vote of no confidence in the central administration’s handling of a reported October 2024 sexual assault at a fraternity house, according to a copy obtained by NBC News. The measure escalates institutional pressure on the university following a September 14 civil lawsuit and widespread student protests on campus.
Faculty Resolution Targets Administration Response
The resolution submitted to the University Faculty Committee states that the Faculty Senate has no confidence in the central administration’s ability to address sexual assault on campus. Faculty senator Paul Ortiz, a professor of labor history, stated in a release that the goal of the measure is to force systemic change, noting that students have reported feeling unsafe for years. The faculty sponsors said numerous colleagues and alumni shared traumatic student stories, demanding action from the Ivy League institution. The full faculty senate is scheduled to consider the measure during its October 14 meeting.
Campus Leadership Defends Title IX Procedures
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff and Vice President for Student and Campus Life Ryan Lombardi addressed student concerns during a Monday meeting with the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly. Kotlikoff defended the university’s Title IX office, stating it utilizes trauma-informed procedures bound by federal law and has recommended expulsions in severe cases. While acknowledging that sexual misconduct is associated with the Greek life system, Kotlikoff maintained that private parties with risky behavior would lack even that level of oversight if Greek houses were banned. Protesters at Day Hall previously demanded the expulsion of seven Chi Phi brothers named in the lawsuit, a rewriting of sexual assault policies, an external investigation, and full compliance with New York’s Enough Is Enough law.
Lawsuit Prompts National Scrutiny
The institutional crisis follows a civil lawsuit filed on September 14 by a former student identifying as Jane Doe. The plaintiff alleges she was drugged with alcohol, ketamine, and marijuana and sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members at the Chi Phi house in October 2024. Attorneys for several of the accused men have denied the allegations and any wrongdoing.
What Legal Status Does the Jane Doe Lawsuit Hold?
What legal status does the Jane Doe lawsuit hold?
Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit on September 14 naming Cornell University, fraternity and sorority organizations, a local bar, and seven current and former students. Lawyers for several of the accused men have denied the allegations and any wrongdoing.
Why did local prosecutors decline to pursue criminal charges?
After Jane Doe went to campus police in November 2024, the district attorney’s office reviewed her account and declined to bring criminal charges. Legal experts note that New York law makes prosecution difficult when a victim is voluntarily intoxicated rather than physically helpless.
What specific demands have student protesters made to Cornell leadership?
Student demonstrators presented demands at Day Hall calling for the expulsion of all seven Chi Phi brothers named in the lawsuit, an external investigation, mandatory sexual assault trainings, rewritten policies, and full compliance with New York’s Enough Is Enough law.