Cornell Faculty Senate Declares No Confidence In University Leadership

Cornell University's faculty senate approved a resolution of no confidence on Friday in the administration's ability to handle what it has called a sexual assault crisis, after a former student sued the university for not protecting her from an alleged 2024 gang rape.The resolution, which 55.6% of elected faculty senators who cast votes supported, is a condemnation of Cornell's leadership from its main legislative and advisory body, but has no concrete consequences.

The tally showed 37% voted against it and 7.4% abstained, Cornell University spokesperson Rebcca Valli said in an emailed statement.

"The Faculty Senate has no confidence in the ability of the central administration to effectively address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault at Cornell University," the resolution said.The former student, who is identified by the pseudonym Jane Doe in court documents, alleged in her civil complaint that Cornell failed to protect her from being raped.Her lawsuit, filed in September, has also drawn criticism of the university's handling of the case in 2024.