Cornell faculty senate issues no confidence vote on administrations handling of sexual assault

Members of the Cornell University faculty senate on Friday issued a vote of no confidence on the administration’s ability to manage the response to an alleged sexual assault at a fraternity house in 2024, according to the university.The governing body took up the issue after a former student, known as Jane Doe, alleged she was sexually assaulted and forced to take drugs at the Chi Phi fraternity house from Oct.

19 to 20, 2024.The allegations, detailed in a lawsuit the woman filed in September, led to widespread criticism of the university and calls for reform from students and alumni.

The vote will not directly affect leadership decisions at the institution, including whether President Michael Kotlikoff remains in his role.The board of trustees, which has the authority to replace him, can consider the finding in its future decisions.The senate’s resolution states that the body “has no confidence in the ability of the central administration to effectively address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault at Cornell University.”It does not recommend removals or suggest how to manage the controversy’s fallout.

It passed by a vote of 75-50, with five abstentions and five members not voting, according to a copy of the results obtained by NBC News.A demonstration by Cornell students in support of Jane Doe, in Ithaca in October.Spencer Platt / GettyJane Doe accused seven members of the fraternity of participating in a sexual assault, which she told police began with a consensual threesome but resulted in unwanted sex and ketamine consumption.All seven men accused in the incident deny the allegations.

Two were expelled from the university after an internal civil rights proceeding, and others faced less severe punishments from the school.For SubscribersFOR SUBSCRIBERSAs U.S.

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