Twenty female professors at Cornell University have called for its president, Michael Kotlikoff, to resign over his administration's handling of sexual assault allegations involving fraternity students. This demand coincides with a separate no-confidence vote by faculty, increasing pressure on university leadership.
In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, the members criticised the university's leadership, stating, 'What our community needed was clear leadership; instead, it faced a leadership vacuum'. The letter was delivered one day before the Faculty Senate met on Wednesday, 28 October, to debate a proposed no-confidence resolution against the administration.
Lara Estroff, a professor of materials science and engineering and a signatory, supported making an explicit call for Kotlikoff's resignation. She argued that the broader resolution was insufficient. 'I wouldn't vote for the resolution as it is worded,' Estroff said.
The explosive lawsuit brought by Jane Doe against Cornell University has sparked vocal protests on campus and visceral backlash online.
— Netflix (@netflix) October 28, 2026
INSTADOCS: JANE DOE v. CORNELL examines the often-flawed systems that investigate student sexual assault claims — including campus police and… pic.twitter.com/A3M1ik3RW4
Faculty Begin No-Confidence Vote
Despite disagreements over the resolution's timing and wording, faculty members rejected a motion to postpone the vote. Some advocated waiting for the independent investigation into the university's handling of the case to conclude. An electronic vote began on 28 October, and will remain open until 6 November.
The proposed resolution expresses no confidence in Cornell's administration over its response to sexual assault on campus. Although the resolution is non-binding and does not explicitly call for Kotlikoff's resignation, it could increase pressure on the university's trustees, who appoint its leadership.
Some faculty members argued that waiting for the independent investigation was necessary before judging the administration's conduct. For example, economics professor Seth Sanders stated that about 80 per cent of his department opposed the resolution at this stage.
However, other members maintained that additional delay would undermine efforts to address sexual misconduct and promote institutional accountability. Resolution co-sponsor Anne Marie Brady welcomed the number of faculty members willing to speak publicly. 'The more people who speak out, the more we protect each other,' she said.
Professors Share Experiences
The debate prompted faculty members to share experiences of harassment and difficulty securing institutional support. Music professor Ariana Kim explained how sexual harassment and bullying impacted her tenure case.
She also recounted unsuccessful efforts to obtain assistance from university administrators, including Kotlikoff during his tenure as provost. 'It's hard to get up and do that on a number of levels,' she said, expressing relief and pride in having spoken.
Performing arts professor Beth Frances Milles encouraged colleagues to engage in the discussion with civility. She further shared messages from women – including former classmates – who had experienced sexual assault.
The Cornell Daily Sun helped to turn Jane Doe’s lawsuit against Cornell University into headline news.
— Netflix (@netflix) October 29, 2026
Editor-in-Chief Sophia Dasser and Senior Editor Cereese Qusba reveal their approach to telling Jane’s story in Instadocs: Jane Doe v. Cornell. Now on Netflix. pic.twitter.com/xoNjTcjuFf
Allegations Against Fraternity Members
The dispute involves allegations by a former Cornell student, identified in court documents as Jane Doe. She alleges she was drugged and sexually assaulted by seven male students at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. In her September 2026 civil lawsuit, she also accuses Cornell of mishandling her complaints. All seven men deny the allegations.
The woman initially reported the incident to Cornell University Police in November 2024. The university subsequently conducted an internal investigation under Title IX. This federal law prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded educational institutions.
The investigation resulted in two students being expelled after being found responsible for sexual assault. The other five received disciplinary actions such as suspensions, campus restrictions, workshops, and written assignments.
The university's disciplinary decisions later faced scrutiny. Many questions arose regarding the university's treatment of the five students who were not expelled, as well as the support provided to Jane Doe.
Ongoing Independent Investigation
At an 14 October Faculty Senate meeting, Kotlikoff acknowledged shortcomings in the university's response. However, according to an Associated Press recording, he defended his administration.
Kotlikoff also requested additional time to implement reforms concerning student social life. Separately, on 13 October, he issued a statement on Cornell University's website, saying: 'I am deeply sorry for the harm Jane Doe suffered in 2024, and appalled that this act of sexual violence occurred within our Cornell community.'
Meanwhile, New York authorities reopened the criminal investigation following the woman's civil lawsuit. The faculty vote will conclude on November 6. Its outcome may increase pressure on Cornell's trustees as the university continues to face scrutiny over its response to the case.
