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Faculty Senate to Vote No-Confidence in President Kotlikoff

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 2:17 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Jane Doe sent a faculty-senate letter accusing President Michael Kotlikoff of questioning her reporting.
The two-page letter, dated 14 October, quoted Kotlikoff asking why she waited to report.
The faculty senate will debate a no-confidence resolution on Kotlikoff on 28 October.
Doe’s September civil suit alleges seven Chi Phi members drugged and raped her on 19-20 October 2024.
Cornell expelled two, suspended two, barred a third graduate, and halted IFC events for 2026-2027.

History

Historical Context

The 2011 Department of Education “Dear Colleague” letter told colleges, including Cornell, to adjudicate sexual-assault claims using a “preponderance of the evidence” standard (at least 50.1% likelihood). That mandate spurred nationwide policy overhauls, lawsuits, and federal investigations, creating a precedent that administrative inaction can trigger funding penalties. Jane Doe’s October 2024 complaint therefore revives the same compliance pressure on Cornell’s leadership.

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Story summary

Jane Doe sent a faculty-senate letter accusing President Michael Kotlikoff of questioning her reporting.
The two-page letter, dated 14 October, quoted Kotlikoff asking why she waited to report.
The faculty senate will debate a no-confidence resolution on Kotlikoff on 28 October.
Doe’s September civil suit alleges seven Chi Phi members drugged and raped her on 19-20 October 2024.
Cornell expelled two, suspended two, barred a third graduate, and halted IFC events for 2026-2027.

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