Professor condemns culture of fear

Paul Ortiz, a Cornell labor history professor, introduced a no-confidence resolution during Wednesday's faculty senate meeting, criticizing the school's handling of sexual assault cases.

Rape treated as PR problem

Ortiz said Cornell leadership treats rape as a PR problem rather than a heinous crime, creating a climate that prevents victims from coming forward to report assaults.

“rape as a 'PR problem,' rather than a heinous crime”

Gang rape allegation at fraternity

A student identified as Jane Doe complained to campus police in November two thousand twenty-four about being raped by a group of men at the Chi Phi fraternity house.

Civil suit filed against fraternity

Jane Doe filed a civil suit last month against the men and the university, alleging she had been drugged and raped. All seven fraternity brothers named have denied wrongdoing.

Investigation ongoing, no charges filed

No criminal charges have been filed in the case, but an investigation by the New York attorney general is ongoing into the allegations at Chi Phi.

Faculty debate heated but mostly supportive

Faculty senators described a heated debate over the resolution during Wednesday's closed-door meeting, though the bulk of speakers appeared in favor of it.

Resolution condemns administration response

The one-sentence resolution states the Faculty Senate has no confidence in the central administration's ability to effectively address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault at Cornell.

Kotlikoff announces new safety measures

Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff announced additional measures to strengthen campus safety, support survivors, and address sexual violence, including adding staff to the Office of Civil Rights.

Fraternity social events suspended

Cornell suspended all social events and parties held by fraternities while the school conducts a review of fraternity life to determine whether and how it can safely continue.

Vote scheduled for late October

Debate on the resolution will continue during the faculty senate's next meeting on October twenty-eighth, with voting to take place during the five days following that meeting.