Over 240 Cornell Faculty Sign Letter Accusing University of Failing Alleged Assault Victim

A letter from the faculty

More than 240 Cornell University faculty members signed an open letter alleging the university failed a former student who said she was sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members. ^[1] The letter affects students and the faculty who teach them, and it has pushed the campus toward a possible no-confidence vote. ^[1]

Signatories said the university administration actively fostered a culture of sexual assault. ^[1] The letter also accused the administration of concealing its workings and protecting its perpetrators. ^[1]

It said institutional policies around free speech and expression have created a chilling effect on faculty and students. ^[1]

The no-confidence vote

The Cornell faculty senate is weighing a no-confidence vote against President Michael Kotlikoff. ^[1] It began deliberations on Oct. 14. ^[1]

Paul Ortiz, a Cornell professor of labor history and lead sponsor of the no-confidence resolution, said the resolution states that faculty have no confidence in the central administration's ability to effectively address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault. ^[2] Ortiz said students are afraid of coming forward to authorities because the investigation may be botched or they may be shamed. ^[2]

What Jane Doe alleges

Jane Doe alleges she was drugged and gang raped at the Cornell Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. ^[1] She reported the assault to the university the month after it occurred. ^[1]

In September, Doe sued the men she says were responsible, along with Cornell and others, in civil court, which brought her case into the national spotlight. ^[1] Her lawsuit alleges she was gang-raped by seven Chi Phi members. ^[2] The men named in the lawsuit have denied the allegations. ^[1]

After she filed the suit, prosecutors reopened a criminal investigation. ^[2] New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor in the case. ^[2]

Cornell's response

Cornell said that when it conducted a Title IX investigation into Doe's report, it issued temporary suspensions and other restrictive measures. ^[1] Title IX is the federal rule that governs how schools handle such complaints. When the probe concluded, Cornell issued a range of sanctions, including suspensions and expulsions. ^[1]

Cornell has not provided details about the punishments, such as how many students were expelled or how long suspensions lasted, citing federal privacy law. ^[1] The fraternity's Cornell chapter closed in 2024 and is barred from campus. ^[1]

Cornell announced that former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates would head an independent review of how it prevents and responds to sexual harassment, sexual assault and related misconduct on campus. ^[1] It also suspended social events at fraternity houses for the rest of the academic year and said it would add staff to its civil rights office. ^[1]

In an Oct. 3 video message, Kotlikoff acknowledged public frustration that Cornell has not communicated enough about what it did after the assault was reported, which has led to distrust. ^[1]

Disputed accounts

According to Doe's letter, Kotlikoff asked the then-president of a Cornell sorority why Doe waited so long to report her assault, which Doe interpreted as doubt about her story. ^[1] A Cornell spokesperson said Doe's description of the conversation was incorrect, based on a documented first-hand account. ^[1]

Three faculty senate members told CBS News that Cornell's administration did not share Doe's letter with them. ^[1] The Cornell Daily Sun editorial board alleged last month that administrators have allowed ambiguity, familial connections and money to help people get off scot-free. ^[1]

Protests on campus and across the country

University students across the United States held a national day of action in solidarity with Doe. ^[2] It included walkouts, rallies and vigils in 40 states. ^[2]

At Cornell, students held a sit-in on campus on Wednesday, following a large demonstration on Monday. ^[2] Doe has reportedly gone into hiding in her parents' home after receiving death threats, including a swatting episode in which armed police showed up at her family home on a bogus tip. ^[2]