Cornell Faculty Introduce No-Confidence Resolution

Cornell University faculty have introduced a resolution declaring no confidence in the administration’s handling of sexual assault at the university, with the Faculty Senate scheduled to consider the measure on October 14. The proposal follows campus protests over a former student’s allegations against seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity and renewed scrutiny of the university’s and local authorities’ responses. The resolution says the Faculty Senate has no confidence in the central administration’s ability to address the ongoing sexual assault crisis at Cornell. The measure is described in reports as largely symbolic: it would not remove President Michael Kotlikoff or other administrators, but would publicly register faculty disapproval. The senate has not yet voted on it. Professor Paul Ortiz, a resolution sponsor, said about 40 of roughly 75 voting senators supported the proposal. That figure is Ortiz’s account; a final senate tally has not been reported. Faculty introduced a draft on Monday, October 5, and the senate is expected to consider it at its October 14 meeting.