Cornell University president addresses faculty over fraternity rape handling

Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff faced questions from angry faculty members on Wednesday during a meeting that highlighted frustration over his administration's handling of a 2024 gang rape report. The New York Post reported that the meeting occurred before the university's Faculty Senate debated a no-confidence resolution in his administration. [1]

The New York Post reported that the meeting was closed to the media, but an audio recording obtained by The Associated Press revealed that Kotlikoff acknowledged missteps. He defended his leadership and asked for additional time to implement reforms and promote cultural changes among students. [1]

The reported sexual assault took place in 2024 at the Chi Phi fraternity house against a student identified as Jane Doe. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Kotlikoff previously released an eight-minute video message describing the allegations as deeply disturbing and promising greater transparency regarding the university's response. [3]

As FTMQ News also reported earlier, the case has drawn significant legal scrutiny. Attorneys for defendants Winston Lee and Gillio Lopes filed petitions to remove New York Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor, citing alleged bias, while a bar ethics complaint was also filed against her over statements made prior to her appointment. [4]