Cornell faculty senate votes no confidence in admin
The gist
Cornell's Faculty Senate approved a no-confidence resolution in the administration 75-50 over its handling of sexual assault.
The Board of Trustees still backs President Kotlikoff, leaving the leadership standoff unresolved.
How it unfolded
- Sep 2026Jane Doe filed a lawsuit against Cornell, the Chi Phi fraternity chapter, seven of its members and several other entities, alleging the school failed to protect her and adequately punish students. Paul Ortiz introduced the no-confidence measure, which drew support from 18 faculty senators and 165 faculty members.
- Oct 5, 2026The resolution was submitted to the University Faculty Committee, according to a copy obtained by NBC News.
- Oct 6, 2026The Faculty Senate met to debate the resolution; about 40 senators had expressed support, Ortiz told CNN.
Key terms
- no-confidence vote
- A parliamentary vote showing whether the legislature still supports a government or official in office.
- Faculty Senate
- A governing body in some universities, made up mainly of academic staff and responsible for academic matters.
- Board of Trustees
- A governing body that supervises the activities of a business, nonprofit organization, or government agency.
Source: Wikipedia