The leaders of Cornell University, already embattled over the school’s handling of sexual assault allegations on campus, received another blow late Monday when the school’s faculty senate gave notice of plans to vote on a rare resolution of no confidence in the school’s administrators.
Although largely symbolic, the measure and its apparent support among faculty members promised to increase pressure on the university’s president, Michael Kotlikoff, and other leaders as they face condemnation over Cornell’s handling of a reported sexual assault on campus in 2024.
“The faculty senate has no confidence in the ability of the central administration to effectively address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault at Cornell University,” a draft of the resolution read as of Monday night.
A university spokeswoman did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This measure comes as Cornell has grappled with its response to a lawsuit filed by a former student, identified as Jane Doe, who accused seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity of sexual assault at a house party in October 2024.
Richard Bensel, a professor of government and member of the faculty senate, acknowledged that such a resolution, if passed, would not cause any administrator to be removed from office. But he added that it was potent, still, for the sting of disapproval it would deliver to those in charge of the university.
Another member of the faculty senate, an associate music professor named Ariana Kim, said the measure would serve as a repudiation of Cornell’s leadership, effectively saying, “We don’t believe you’re fit to run this institution.”
The turmoil on Cornell’s campus followed Jane Doe’s allegations that she was plied with drugs and raped over several hours beginning on Oct. 19, 2024.
The Tompkins County district attorney reviewed a complaint filed by the woman in 2024 and declined to prosecute. All of the accused men have denied wrongdoing, and none have been charged with a crime.
Last week, Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed the state attorney general, Letitia James, as special prosecutor, empowering her to conduct her own criminal investigation into Jane Doe’s allegations.
And on Monday, thousands of students, joined by some faculty members, gathered in protest in the center of Cornell’s campus and marched to a main administrative building.
Many members of the Cornell community who attended the protest directed their frustration at the university president, Mr. Kotlikoff.
In a video message on Saturday, Mr. Kotlikoff called this a “defining moment in Cornell’s history” and said he supported an independent investigation.
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