A former Cornell University student, identified in a lawsuit as Jane Doe, sent a letter to faculty leaders stating she felt "unsupported and disbelieved" by university president Michael Kotlikoff following her 2024 report of a sexual assault. The letter, dated October 14, 2026, details a second-hand account of a conversation where Kotlikoff allegedly asked why the student waited to report the incident. The university has disputed this account, stating Kotlikoff’s question was directed at bystanders who did not use the school’s anonymous tip line despite social media activity about the event.
The letter emerged as the Cornell Faculty Senate began deliberations on a no-confidence vote regarding Kotlikoff’s administration. Multiple faculty members told CBS News and CNN that the letter was not shared with the full Senate body before their October 14 meeting. Cornell Dean of Faculty Chris Schaffer confirmed he received the communication that day but passed it to the Office of General Counsel for verification and to an independent investigatory team led by former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates.
Jane Doe filed a lawsuit in September naming the university as a responsible party for allegedly failing to properly investigate her report of a gang rape at the Chi Phi fraternity house. The seven men accused in the lawsuit have denied the allegations. Following the lawsuit, New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered an independent investigation into the school’s response, citing "serious questions" about the university’s systems for reporting and prevention.
The scale of the situation involves an independent review of all sexual harassment and assault policies at the university. While the specific number of students affected by policy changes is not reported, the investigation covers the campus culture and its response systems. Sally Yates is expected to issue formal recommendations following her review.
The next steps in the faculty process are scheduled for October 24, 2026, when the Faculty Senate will hold a second meeting to discuss the no-confidence vote. Faculty members noted that President Kotlikoff is not currently scheduled to attend that session. The independent review by Yates will continue to examine the actions of university officials and the specific details of the October 2024 incident. A final date for the conclusion of these investigations has not been reported.