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Archived story · published November 6, 2026. Coverage reflects reporting at the time. See today's brief

Politics · November 6, 2026

Cornell Faculty Senate passes no-confidence vote over Jane Doe case, but Board of Trustees backs president

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On November 6, 2026, Cornell University's faculty senate passed a resolution of no confidence in the school's central administration. The vote was prompted by dissatisfaction with the university's handling of sexual violence on campus following a lawsuit filed by a former student, identified as Jane Doe, who alleged she was gang-raped at a fraternity party in 2024. The resolution, while largely symbolic as the faculty senate lacks authority over university leadership, serves as a formal rebuke of President Michael Kotlikoff and other top administrators. Despite the vote, the university's board of trustees has reportedly signaled its continued support for the president.

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Reported across the spectrum

  • The Cornell University faculty senate passed a resolution of no confidence in the school's leadership.
  • The vote occurred on Friday, November 6, 2026.
  • The resolution is centered on the administration's handling of sexual assault and a specific 2024 gang-rape allegation.
  • The faculty senate lacks the formal power to remove university leaders.
  • The 2024 incident involved members of a campus fraternity.

Reported by only some outlets

  • Seventy-five members voted in favor, 50 against, 5 abstained, and 5 did not vote.
  • The resolution passed with a 56% to 37% margin (according to Just the News) or 55% to 37% (according to The Hill).
  • New York Attorney General Letitia James appointed an ex-prosecutor to lead a criminal probe into the rape claim.
  • The Chi Phi fraternity chapter was barred from campus following the alleged incident.
  • The board of trustees maintains the authority to replace the university president.
  • No criminal charges have been filed against the individuals allegedly involved in the 2024 incident.

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