Cornell faculty set to vote on no-confidence resolution targeting President Kotlikoff

Cornell University faculty will cast votes on a no-confidence resolution against President Michael Kotlikoff starting Wednesday.

The action stems from a lawsuit filed last month by a woman known in court documents as Jane Doe. She alleges that seven Chi Phi fraternity members sexually assaulted or exploited her in October 2024. The plaintiff also claims the university mishandled her complaints. All seven men have denied the allegations.

The dispute escalated during a closed Faculty Senate meeting on Oct. 14. Audio from that session, obtained by The Associated Press, shows faculty members confronting Kotlikoff about his handling of the case. Kotlikoff acknowledged missteps but defended his leadership. He asked for additional time to implement reforms and change student social culture. He cited an independent investigation into the university's response as a path to meaningful changes.

During the meeting, Kotlikoff admitted he had not read the Cornell Police Department's report on the rape allegations. He explained that the police investigation was confidential and that university policy limits the role of top administrators in criminal investigations. He stated, "I really reject the idea that I had no interest in it or was not concerned about it." The criminal investigation had stalled after the local district attorney declined to pursue charges. In a separate interview with The New York Times, Kotlikoff said he did not follow up to learn the outcome of the case or the investigation.

Faculty also questioned the return of a disciplined student to campus. They noted the student was assigned to a shared dorm room with a roommate who did not know his disciplinary history. Several faculty speakers expressed doubt about the administration's ability to combat sexual assault. Some warned that a quick vote might not fix underlying issues.

Kotlikoff became interim president in July 2024 and took the position permanently last year. He has faced other challenges, including a strike by dining and custodial workers and a $60 million settlement with the Trump administration over civil rights investigations.

Wednesday's meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and will be closed to the public and media. Electronic voting will open after the meeting concludes and remain available through Nov. 6. Individual votes are anonymous. A no-confidence result is largely symbolic but could signal a message to the university trustees, who hold the final authority on leadership.