Cornell faculty to vote on president's handling of gang-rape allegation
A Cornell student who alleges gang-rape accuses President Michael Kotlikoff of questioning why she delayed reporting it.
Jane Doe wrote a letter to the faculty senate, saying she felt unsupported and disbelieved by Kotlikoff. Doe alleged he asked why she waited several weeks to report the incident.
The alleged assault happened in October 2024 at a Chi Phi fraternity house. Cornell denies the account.
Kotlikoff's question was aimed at bystanders. Those bystanders did not use an anonymous tip line.
His question was not aimed at Doe herself. The faculty senate will hold a rare vote on October 28.
The vote will express no confidence in Kotlikoff's leadership. Seven men are accused in the lawsuit.
They have all denied wrongdoing and none has been charged with a crime. The local prosecutor first declined to bring charges.
But the case has since reopened. Cornell has opened an internal investigation and banned fraternity parties in response.
- October 2024 at Chi Phi fraternity house
- Incident date
- 28 October
- Vote date
- 26 years as Cornell president
- Kotlikoff tenure
Why it mattersThe vote reflects growing concerns about how US universities handle sexual assault allegations and whether institutional leaders truly support survivors.
AustraliaAustralian universities have faced similar criticism over sexual misconduct handling, making this case relevant to campus safety policy discussions locally.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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