Cornell University's leadership is facing growing criticism from its faculty after the university's Faculty Senate approved a no-confidence resolution Friday, November 6, over the administration's handling of sexual assault cases on campus.

The resolution received support from 55.6% of elected faculty senators who cast ballots, while 37% opposed it and 7.4% abstained, according to university spokesperson Rebecca Valli. Although the vote represents a significant rebuke of the administration, it carries no binding consequences for university leadership.

"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 stated.

The faculty action follows a September lawsuit filed by a former Cornell student identified in court documents as Jane Doe. She alleges the university failed to protect her from a gang rape in 2024 and did not adequately address the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.

The lawsuit has brought renewed attention to Cornell's response to the incident and its broader approach to campus sexual misconduct. The university has defended its handling of the case, saying it conducted a comprehensive investigation and imposed disciplinary measures, including expulsions.

Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff has also outlined changes intended to improve the university's response to sexual assault allegations. Before voting began October 29, Kotlikoff pointed to additional staffing in the civil rights office, expanded sexual assault prevention education, and new positions focused on victim advocacy.

However, those measures have not satisfied faculty members who believe the administration has failed to address longstanding problems.

Faculty senator Risa Lieberwitz, a co-sponsor of the resolution, argued that the university's response reflects a systemic failure that has persisted through years of senior administrative leadership.

"Students, faculty, and staff have lost trust that sexual assault cases will be handled properly," Lieberwitz said during an online discussion of the resolution in late October. She warned that students could become reluctant to report assaults if they believe doing so would be ineffective or potentially damaging.

The vote prompted a response from the university's Board of Trustees, whose chair, Anne Smalling, reaffirmed support for Kotlikoff and his administration while acknowledging the anger expressed by faculty members.

"Today's Faculty Senate vote reflects the deep anger across our campus and sends a clear signal that what happened to Jane Doe is unacceptable," Smalling said.

She added that the trustees support Kotlikoff's commitment to taking necessary steps to protect students and prevent similar incidents.

Not all faculty leaders supported the resolution. Dean of Faculty Chris Schaffer previously opposed the measure, arguing that it failed to identify specific administrative shortcomings or establish clear expectations for corrective action.

"When we make a judgment this consequential, we should state clearly what has failed and what we expect to change," Schaffer wrote. "This resolution falls short of that standard."

Schaffer also cautioned that the measure would not produce any binding consequences for the administration, meaning Kotlikoff and other university officials can remain in their positions despite the faculty's formal expression of no confidence.

The vote nevertheless represents a public challenge to Cornell's leadership as the university faces continued questions about campus safety, the handling of sexual assault allegations, and whether its existing policies adequately protect students.