Cornell president admits he knew about 2024 fraternity SA report but did nothing: ‘People are angry. I understand that anger
Cornell failed Jane Doe.
Cornell University is currently navigating a period of intense scrutiny as President Michael Kotlikoff admits he was aware of a 2024 sexual assault report involving a fraternity but failed to take further action. According to The Guardian, this admission comes as the university faces mounting pressure and calls for his resignation.
The situation centers on a civil lawsuit filed by a former student, identified as Jane Doe, who alleges she was sexually assaulted by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity at a campus party in October 2024. In a recent interview, Kotlikoff acknowledged for the first time that he knew a student reported being sexually assaulted in November 2024. He admitted that he did not follow up with the student in the months following that report.
He also said he was unaware the student had withdrawn from the university until she filed her lawsuit last month. “The fact that Jane Doe experienced what she experienced at Cornell is something that I am personally sorry for,” Kotlikoff said. He added that the entire campus is sorry for the incident. Regarding the widespread frustration on campus, he noted, “I’ve heard enough from the community that there is a loss of trust. People are angry. I understand that anger.”
The university previously conducted an internal investigation into the incident
Records indicate that two men were expelled, two were suspended, and one graduate was barred from campus. Other individuals involved received lighter punishments, including orders to avoid contact with the complainant and mandates to write reflection papers.
The Tompkins County district attorney initially declined to bring criminal charges, citing insufficient evidence. However, that office has since stated it will reopen the investigation. Additionally, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to investigate the claims.
Kotlikoff has characterized the allegations as “deeply disturbing” and expressed support for the appointment of a special prosecutor. He has pointed to the creation of a presidential task force as part of the university’s response strategy. The New York Times reports that during a recent meeting with the faculty senate at Rockefeller Hall, Kotlikoff defended his administration’s actions.
The Cornell president said the university decided to halt all parties at fraternity houses for the remainder of the academic year. He explained this move by stating, “And so for the time being, we will stop that activity and put in place a thorough examination.” He suggested that this pause provides an opportunity to evaluate whether fraternities can safely exist at Cornell.
Kotlikoff noted that some alumni have emphasized the importance of their Greek life experience, but he acknowledged the necessity of prioritizing safety. “If at the end of the day, the fraternities cannot exist in a safe environment, and we can’t be convinced that they can be safe, then we should make that decision,” he said.
Despite these measures, the faculty senate remains skeptical
The senate is scheduled to hold a vote of no confidence on October 28. Risa Lieberwitz, a professor of labor and employment law, argued that the president’s recent policy changes are merely reactive. “This is a systemic problem that deserves systemic attention,” she stated. “And thus far, President Kotlikoff, it appears that you have simply reacted to pressure.”
Other faculty members have raised concerns about the campus environment. Anthropology professor Noah Tamarkin questioned how the university intends to handle the presence of students who were suspended for their roles in the incident but have since returned to campus. He noted that students and staff have expressed significant safety concerns.
Music professor Ariana Kim highlighted data suggesting that reports of sexual assault have risen since 2021. In response, Kotlikoff acknowledged that the levels of sexual assault are unacceptable, though he noted that participation rates in recent student surveys were low.
The Cornell University Board of Trustees has retained Sally Yates to lead an independent review
Sally Yates, who served as a deputy attorney general during the Obama administration, will examine how the university prevents and responds to sexual misconduct. Some faculty members, such as economics professor Seth Sanders, have suggested delaying the no-confidence vote until this review is complete.
Conversely, other faculty members remain firm in their criticism. Paul Ortiz, a labor history professor and sponsor of the motion, argued that the administration has fostered a culture that discourages victims from coming forward. Victoria Xaka, an assistant professor of music, described the atmosphere as tense and noted that many faculty members feel the administration’s recent actions are disingenuous.
As the October 28 vote approaches, the university continues to grapple with these significant challenges to its leadership and institutional culture.
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