Cornell faculty prepare no-confidence vote against administration

Cornell faculty has prepared a no-confidence vote against the university administration amid criticism over the school’s handling of the alleged gang rape in 2024.

The no-confidence resolution is led by Paul Ortiz, a professor of labor history at Cornell, and will be reviewed by members of the Cornell University Faculty Senate on October 14.

“The faculty co-sponsors of this resolution deliberated at great length on this resolution. As you may suspect, we were approached in our capacity as faculty senators by numerous Cornell colleagues demanding action. Many of these faculty–including myself–were approached by students at Cornell who are upset, fearful for their personal safety, and wanting our university to address the perennial problem of sexual assault on the campus,” a statement sent to the University Faculty Committee explaining the no-confidence resolution said.

“Cornell alumni, some of whom have shared their own traumatic stories as students, have also contacted faculty to share their frustrations about this matter. This is certainly a consequential moment in time for our campus!” it added.

The Hill has reached out to Cornell for comment.

The no-confidence resolution, which was first reported by CNN, is only the latest trouble for Cornell administrators after outcry from elected officials and the public over the handling of the alleged gang rape that happened at Chi Phi fraternity in 2024.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) brought in state Attorney General Letitia James (D) to investigate the case but stopped short of calling for the resignation of Cornell’s president.

Hochul said Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff agreed to have outside counsel investigate the university’s response to the woman’s allegations.

Kotlikoff also released a statement in the aftermath, promising reforms at the university.

“I believe we, as an administration, and we as a community, must do better. We must do everything we can to prevent what happened to Jane Doe and everyone before her and anyone after her from ever happening again. As a community, we must foster a culture in which sexual assault is inexcusable, and ensure our community is empowered and understands informed consent, body autonomy, and prevention,” Kotlikoff said a video statement.