Cornell’s Faculty Senate votes “no confidence” in the university’s administration

Updated on: November 6, 2026 / 4:51 PM EST / CBS New York

Cornell University's Faculty Senate approved a resolution expressing no confidence in the university's administration, including Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff and other administrators.

It's a major rebuke of the university's leadership.

Members of the faculty told CBS News New York the resolution questioned whether Cornell's administration can effectively address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault on campus.

The vote, which passed 75-50, is largely symbolic and does not require university leadership to step down. Five faculty senators abstained and five others did not vote.

The vote follows weeks of outrage over Cornell's handling of sexual assault allegations, including Jane Doe's 2024 alleged gang rape case. All seven men accused of wrongdoing in her lawsuit deny the allegations.

"This vote is a reckoning for our University. It is a call for real, systemic change; not a slow-moving taskforce, weakly enforced ban on fraternity parties, or expensive PR damage control, but meaningful, evidence-based steps to reduce the incidence of sexual assault on campus and provide significant support to and justice for survivors," sponsors of the measure said in a statement.

"We believe that the Faculty Senate did not reach this…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/