Cornell president faces contentious faculty senate meeting over Jane Doe allegations

Cornell University’s president was met with scrutiny and sharp questions from its faculty senate 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…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/health