Cornell Faculty Vote: Rebuke Expected

Cornell University will release the results of a faculty no-confidence vote on Friday. The measure addresses the administration's response to the alleged gang rape of a student in 2024.

The faculty senate began voting on the resolution last week. The text states that the body has no confidence in the central administration's ability to address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault on campus. If the resolution passes, it will stand as the clearest rebuke of school leadership since the controversy started. The senate lacks the authority to force administrative changes.

A former undergraduate, identified as Jane Doe, filed a complaint with campus police in November 2024. She reported being raped by a group of men at the Chi Phi fraternity house. She filed a civil suit against the men and the university, alleging she was drugged and assaulted. All seven fraternity brothers named in the lawsuit have denied wrongdoing, and no criminal charges have been filed.

New York Attorney General Letitia James is investigating the incident. Cornell is also conducting an internal probe of its response. Five of the seven men accused in the lawsuit are challenging James's role in the criminal probe. They argue that a social media post she made shows a conflict of interest. In that post, she said she held Jane Doe in her heart and prayers. The group wants a judge to replace James as special prosecutor.

James appointed Jacqueline Kelly, a former sex crimes federal prosecutor, to lead the matter earlier this week. The men are continuing their legal fight despite this appointment. They argue that Kelly's role does not change the ultimate authority of the investigation. Attorney Andrew Miltenberg wrote in a court filing that the appointment does not eliminate concerns about fairness. He noted that the announcement did not state that James recused herself or surrendered charging authority.