Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff encountered a heated response from faculty during a meeting on Wednesday, reflecting profound dissatisfaction with how his administration dealt with a woman’s report of being gang raped at a fraternity house in 2024.
While Kotlikoff admitted to some errors in judgment, he also defended his leadership as he fielded questions from the Faculty Senate, which was considering a no-confidence resolution against him.
The meeting was not open to the public, but an audio recording obtained by The Associated Press revealed Kotlikoff’s appeal for more time to implement reforms and drive cultural shifts in student social dynamics.
He argued that strong leadership was essential to tackle complex issues that “aren’t simplistic” and demanded more than just superficial solutions.
Kotlikoff stressed that replacing a president wouldn’t effectively resolve the situation and could tarnish Cornell’s reputation.
He also indicated the potential for enforced restrictions on Greek life, noting that it was crucial to assess whether fraternities could maintain a safe environment. On Tuesday, he announced a ban on fraternity parties for the remainder of the academic year.
“If, in the end, we find that fraternities can’t exist safely, then we should make that call,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of relying on facts rather than emotions.
Following Kotlikoff’s exit from the meeting, numerous faculty members expressed a lack of faith in the administration’s capability to effectively address sexual assault on campus.
“The faculty were incredibly upset. They gave him a tough time, and rightly so,” remarked Richard Bensel, a government professor.
Some members of the Faculty Senate cautioned that a quick no-confidence vote might not effectively target the deeper issues at hand.
Debate on the resolution was expected to extend to October 28, with voting to follow electronically.
A no-confidence vote, while mainly symbolic, could send a significant message to the university’s trustees, who hold the ultimate power in university governance.
Accuser’s lawsuit has created turmoil on campus
A woman referred to as Jane Doe filed a lawsuit last month claiming that she was sexually assaulted or exploited by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024, alleging that Cornell mishandled her case.
All accused individuals have denied the claims, asserting either that the encounters were consensual or that they had no involvement.
The criminal probe by Cornell’s police, however, came to a halt when the district attorney quickly decided that no criminal activity had taken place.
Current status on the ‘Cornell 7’ fraternity investigation:
Kotlikoff initially addressed what he deemed “deeply disturbing” claims by suspending the fraternity and launching both criminal and university investigations.
He later created a presidential task force focused on reviewing Cornell’s processes related to sexual assault.
However, in a recent interview with The New York Times, Kotlikoff admitted he never followed up on the victim’s situation or the criminal investigation’s progress.
When questioned by a faculty member about whether he reviewed the police department’s findings, he conceded that he hadn’t, citing the confidential nature of the investigation and university policy that advises top officials not to become involved in criminal inquiries.
“I strongly reject the notion that I lacked interest or concern,” he contended.
Kotlikoff also stated he had no prior knowledge of students facing expulsion or suspension due to the Title IX investigation until recently learning that the accuser had dropped out of Cornell.
Faculty reports on the ‘contentious’ meeting
“There’s a significant divide within the institution,” commented Grant Farred, a professor of Africana Studies and English. He explained that those in the humanities felt ready to proceed, while their counterparts in the sciences sought additional information.
Iris Packman, a research expert at the university, noted that Kotlikoff appeared “defensive” during the meeting.
Labor history professor Paul Ortiz, the main supporter of the no-confidence motion, articulated that the discussions were fueled by the sense that the administration was falling short in addressing ongoing crises.
Anne Marie Brady, a senior associate at Cornell’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, expressed approval of Kotlikoff’s decision to have state police oversee sexual assault investigations temporarily, yet she questioned the timing, which coincided with the Senate discussions.
Kotlikoff, appointed interim president in July 2024, was made permanent last year. He has faced various challenges, including a workers’ strike, backlash over a $60 million settlement concerning civil rights issues, and accusations of stifling campus protests.
