Cornell University’s president was met with scrutiny and sharp questions from its faculty senate on Wednesday, when the group convened to discuss a no-confidence vote over the university’s handling of an alleged 2024 sexual assault at a fraternity house, according to an audio recording obtained by NBC News.Discussion of a no-confidence vote comes after serious concerns were raised by students and staff over how the university responded to the allegations.University President Michael Kotlikoff defended himself and Cornell’s administration as he took a series of pointed questions from the school staff.At the meeting, most speakers were heard identifying themselves before speaking.Risa Lieberwitz, a professor of labor and employment law, said the issue of sexual assault “is a systemic problem.
It deserves systemic attention.”She told Kotlikoff that thus far it appeared he had “simply reacted to pressure.”“It feels that the administration is considering more about how do we respond to pressure rather than the kind of leadership, which should have been doing systemic work and prioritizing these issues all along,” she said.Kotlikoff argued that replacing its leadership was not the solution.“We need to be able to work together to be able to change the culture, educate our students, and try and address this problem,” he said at the meeting.“I want Cornell to be a leader in this area, and we have plans to really invest in this area.
But the idea that you can somehow, because an event has occurred, eliminate it immediately — it’s just unrealistic.”Last month, a former student identified as Jane Doe sued the university and seven current and former students in connection with her allegation of sexual assault.In 2024, Cornell shut down the Chi Phi fraternity chapter at the university and expelled two students after Doe reported the incident.Others were suspended or faced lesser disciplinary action.
The university also said it launched the Preside...