From Seattletimes · · 1m 50s
Jane Doe Sends Letter to Cornell Faculty Senate
Former Cornell student claims university president doubted her rape report.
In brief
Former Cornell student claims university president doubted her rape report. Jane Doe, a former Cornell student who alleges rape at a fraternity house, wrote to faculty leaders expressing distrust after Cornell’s president questioned her reporting timeline. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Jane Doe's Letter to Faculty Senate
Jane Doe, a former Cornell student, wrote a letter to faculty leaders expressing feeling unsupported and disbelieved by university president Michael Kotlikoff.
“Why did she wait so long to report it?”
Alleged Assault Timeline
Jane Doe claims she was raped at a Chi Phi fraternity house on Oct. 19 and 20, 2024, reporting to campus police on Nov. 8.
President's Response
Kotlikoff reportedly questioned why Jane Doe waited to report the assault, a comment she said diminished her trust in Cornell’s administration.
“Why did she wait so long to report it?”
University Rebuttal
Cornell states Kotlikoff’s comment was directed at bystanders, not Jane Doe, and he did not question her reporting timeline.
“The question ‘Why did it take so long for the assault to be reported?’ was directed at bystanders who did not use Cornell’s anonymous tip line, despite ongoing social media activity about the incident in October 2024.”
Faculty Senate Vote
Faculty senate will vote on a no-confidence resolution against Kotlikoff on Oct. 28, 2026, with voting continuing for several days.
Legal Actions
Jane Doe filed a lawsuit against Cornell, the Chi Phi fraternity, and her sorority, claiming drug-fueled gang rape over several hours.
University Response
Cornell barred the Chi Phi fraternity from campus, expelled two men, and suspended two others after the lawsuit.
Investigation
Cornell appointed a special investigative team led by Sally Yates, a former deputy attorney general, to examine the case.
Faculty Reaction
Ariana Kim, a co-sponsor of the no-confidence resolution, expressed concern that the faculty dean had not shared Jane Doe’s letter with the senate.
Sorority President's Account
The sorority president relayed Kotlikoff’s comment to Jane Doe with concern, causing her to feel unsupported and disbelieved.
Current Status
Sally Yates sent an email to students and faculty to reassure them of her independence and commitment to the investigation.
“We also know that a lot of people are counting on us, counting on us to speak the truth; counting on us to be fair; counting on us to get this right.”
In short
Jane Doe, a former Cornell student who alleges rape at a fraternity house, wrote to faculty leaders expressing distrust after Cornell’s president questioned her reporting timeline.
