The Cornell University Faculty Senate has passed a no-confidence resolution in the school's central administration, citing dissatisfaction with the university's handling of sexual violence on campus. The vote, which took place on Friday, was directly prompted by the university's response to allegations made by a former student, identified as Jane Doe, who claimed she was gang-raped by members of a school fraternity in 2024.

The resolution asserts that the Faculty Senate has no confidence in the central administration's ability to "effectively address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault at Cornell University." Co-sponsors of the measure stated that the vote represents a "reckoning for our University" and a "call for real, systemic change." They emphasized the need for meaningful actions beyond task forces, weak bans on fraternity parties, or public relations efforts, advocating instead for evidence-based steps to reduce sexual assault and support survivors.

During the vote, 75 members of the faculty senate voted in favor of the resolution, with 50 voting against it, 5 abstaining, and 5 not voting. Faculty senator Iris Packman stated at a press conference that the no-confidence vote was intended to build momentum for necessary changes. The Faculty Senate, while influential, does not possess the authority to compel administrative changes.

In response to the vote, Anne Smalling, chair of the board of trustees, issued a statement acknowledging the "deep anger across our campus" and affirming that what happened to Jane Doe is "unacceptable." Smalling conveyed support for President Michael Kotlikoff's commitment to ensuring student safety and preventing future incidents. The university is also conducting its own internal investigation into the matter.

The controversy stems from a complaint filed by Jane Doe with campus police in November 2024, three weeks after the alleged incident at the Chi Phi fraternity house. She has since filed a civil suit against the individuals involved and the university, alleging she was drugged and raped. The New York Attorney General's office, led by Letitia James, is also conducting a separate investigation into the incident.

Jane Doe released a statement expressing hope that the Faculty Senate's decision would serve as another step towards educating and supporting the Cornell community in addressing sexual assault. She noted that the Faculty Senate likely did not reach its decision "lightly."

The Faculty Senate's resolution highlights ongoing concerns about the administration's capacity to manage and prevent sexual violence. The vote underscores a significant division and a demand for more robust interventions from within the university's academic leadership.

This situation at Cornell is part of a broader national conversation about campus sexual assault, university accountability, and the adequacy of existing support systems and investigative processes for survivors. The outcomes of the ongoing investigations by both the university and the New York Attorney General's office are anticipated to be critical.