Controversy at Cornell: Faculty and Jane Doe Allegations

Some faculty at Cornell claim they did not receive a letter from Jane Doe, which criticizes the university’s president, Michael Kotlikoff. The absence of this letter is seen as a “silencing of Jane Doe’s voice,” according to one faculty member.

Doe’s lawsuit alleges a gang rape occurred at a fraternity party in 2024. These allegations triggered a criminal investigation and an independent review of Cornell’s handling of the situation.

The letter, dated October 14, was sent to faculty leaders as the Faculty Senate deliberated a potential no-confidence vote in Kotlikoff. The letter mentions Doe felt “disbelieved” by Kotlikoff and seeks to inform faculty ahead of their vote. Despite Doe’s request, three faculty sources confirmed they never received it from the administration.

Cornell Faculty Senate member Risa Lieberwitz emphasized the importance of this issue, noting the chance to question Kotlikoff about the letter was missed. Lieberwitz added, “The Faculty Senate did not receive that letter from Jane Doe when we had the opportunity to ask about it.”

According to the university, the dean forwarded the letter for verification before sharing it with the independent review. Lieberwitz described the response as highlighting a transparency issue.

A separate university source provided CBS News New York a copy of the letter. It references a conversation relayed by a former sorority president, claiming Kotlikoff questioned the timing of Doe’s allegations. Doe reportedly felt unsupported as a result.

Jane Doe’s attorney confirmed the letter’s authenticity to the New York Times. Cornell challenges the letter’s secondhand account, stating Kotlikoff questioned why bystanders didn’t report sooner, not Doe.

Many faculty members believe the letter should have been shared with them. Lieberwitz noted the letter’s timely receipt allowed for its consideration before further discussions on a no-confidence vote scheduled for October 24, though Kotlikoff is not expected to attend.

Professor David Bateman supports a no-confidence vote due to concerns over the university’s willingness to make meaningful changes. “I was not persuaded after that meeting that the university administration is actually going to change its structures to listen to students and to faculty in a serious, deliberative way,” he stated.

Former Acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates, appointed to review the university’s response, promised to scrutinize Cornell’s handling of sexual assault cases and policies. Her email, obtained from a university member, outlines her intention to offer recommendations based on the review.

The seven men named in Doe’s lawsuit have denied the allegations.

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