From BBC News · · 1m 30s
Cornell faculty vote no confidence in leadership over assault case
Academic staff at Cornell University pass a symbolic vote against how the administration handled allegations of gang rape at a fraternity house.
In brief
Academic staff at Cornell University pass a symbolic vote against how the administration handled allegations of gang rape at a fraternity house. Cornell's faculty senate voted no confidence in the university's leadership over its handling of a student's gang rape allegation, though the board of trustees said it…
Faculty vote no confidence in Cornell leadership
Cornell University's academic staff passed a no-confidence vote on Friday against the administration's handling of sexual assault allegations. The vote passed seventy-five to fifty.
The allegation at the centre of the crisis
A former student known as Jane Doe alleges she was gang raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October two thousand twenty-four. All seven accused men have denied wrongdoing and none has been charged.
What the vote actually means
The faculty senate's no-confidence vote is largely symbolic because it has no power to remove leaders. The resolution states the administration cannot effectively address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault at Cornell.
“has no confidence in the ability of the central administration to effectively address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault at Cornell University”
The board stands by President Kotlikoff
The board of trustees, which does have power to fire leaders, said it remains confident in President Michael Kotlikoff and his administration. Board chairwoman Anne Meinig Smalling said the vote reflects deep anger across campus.
“This confidence is rooted not only in the administration's actions to date and plans moving forward, but also in its track record of navigating complex problems.”
State investigation and new measures underway
New York state prosecutors are investigating whether criminal charges are warranted. Cornell has hired a former attorney general to conduct an independent review and announced measures including cancelling fraternity parties.
What to remember
Cornell's faculty senate voted no confidence in the university's leadership over its handling of a student's gang rape allegation, though the board of trustees said it remains confident in the administration.
