Cornell President Faces No-Confidence Vote Over Handling of Rape Allegation Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff faces a faculty no-confidence vote after admitting he never followed up on investigations into a 2024 gang rape allegation against Chi Phi fraternity members. The faculty senate will continue debating the resolution on October 28. Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff is facing a faculty no-confidence vote after acknowledging he never followed up on the criminal or Title IX investigations into a 2024 gang rape allegation involving seven Chi Phi fraternity members. The faculty senate is expected to continue debating the resolution on October 28, followed by electronic voting. The crisis began in 2024 when a woman identified as Jane Doe filed a lawsuit alleging that seven Chi Phi fraternity members sexually assaulted or exploited her. The university police department quickly dropped the case after the district attorney decided no crime had been committed.Kotlikoff Admits Never Following Up on Assault CaseKotlikoff publicly addressed the allegations, suspended the fraternity, and convened a presidential task force to examine how Cornell handles sexual assault. But he later admitted in an interview with The New York Times that he never checked in with the woman or found out what happened to her or whether any accused students had been punished.He also acknowledged that until the woman filed her lawsuit, he did not know she had dropped out of Cornell or that students had been expelled or suspended over the incident. This lack of follow-up has drawn sharp criticism from faculty members. Some described a meeting between Kotlikoff and the faculty senate as contentious.Cornell Bans Fraternity Parties Amid CrisisAriana Kim, a faculty member and co-sponsor of the no-confidence resolution, said she was deeply troubled by Kotlikoff's acknowledgment and that it highlighted the administration's failure to properly address the situation. As a result of the crisis, Kotlikoff announced a ban on fraternity parties through the end of the academic year and plans to give state police a role in investigating sexual assault reports.Anne Marie Brady, a senior extension associate at Cornell's School of Industrial and Labor Relations, welcomed the announcement but questioned its timing, as it came a day before the Senate debate. Faculty members who spoke at the meeting, including Grant Farred and Iris Packman, expressed disappointment with Kotlikoff's response. They argue the administration failed to take action, leading to distrust among faculty and students.A no-confidence vote by the faculty would be largely symbolic but can send a powerful message to the university's trustees, who ultimately decide how the university is run and who leads it. Kotlikoff's administration has also come under scrutiny for its handling of several other high-profile sexual assault cases. For Ariana Kim, the situation is deeply personal. She reported harassment by senior colleagues and was never clearly informed what disciplinary action, if any, had been taken.Faculty Member Ariana Kim Cites HarassmentHer experiences since she started a decade ago have been marked by bullying and sexual harassment, which she says the university failed to properly document. Kim said she was motivated to take action after being struck by Jane Doe's story. She believes the university has a responsibility to protect its students and faculty from sexual assault and harassment. The situation at Cornell is not unique, as many colleges and universities across the country are grappling with similar issues.The case highlights the importance of proactive measures to prevent sexual assault and support survivors. This development comes as a Stop Sexual Violence protest was held in Washington, D.C. on October 8, 2026, with demonstrators marching from the Washington Monument to the White House. An AP photo by Jose Luis Magana captured the march. The crisis at Cornell has sparked a broader conversation about the need for reform in university disciplinary procedures.Faculty members argue the administration has failed to act, leading to a sense of distrust among faculty and students. In the coming weeks, the faculty senate will continue to debate the no-confidence resolution. The outcome will be closely watched, as it may have implications for Kotlikoff's leadership and the university's handling of future cases. Ultimately, the situation underscores the need for reforms to ensure students and faculty are protected from harassment and assault.