Cornell faculty vote ‘no confidence’ in university leadership after alleged fraternity gang rape

Cornell's Faculty Senate voted 75-50 (with 5 abstentions and 5 not voting) to declare 'no confidence' in university leadership.

The vote followed a lawsuit filed by a former student alleging she was gang raped at a Chi Phi fraternity party in October 2024.

The Faculty Senate has no formal power over Cornell's top leaders; the resolution was symbolic.

Cornell disciplined several accused students after a Title IX investigation: two were expelled, two suspended and put on probation, and two required to write reflection papers and complete bystander training; a seventh was barred from campus.

October 2024: A former student alleges she was given ketamine and raped at a Chi Phi fraternity house. · Initially: The local district attorney decided the woman had consented and no crime occurred. · Mid-September: The former student files a lawsuit against Cornell and seven former Chi Phi members. · Following a monthslong Title IX investigation: Cornell disciplines several accused students with expulsions, suspensions, and other measures. · After the lawsuit: Kotlikoff convenes a task force on sexual misconduct, which issues recommendations. · Friday: The Faculty Senate's no-confidence vote results are released, showing passage 75-50.

75-50 vote tally · 5 abstentions · 5 non-voters · 7 accused fraternity members · 2024 year of alleged assault

The local district attorney's investigation was reopened and handed to New York's attorney general, with no outcome reported.