Exclusive Footage from Cornell University Faculty Meeting

On October 14, 2026, CBS News New York reported on a tense faculty meeting at Cornell University. The university has come under scrutiny over its response to sexual assault allegations, including a high-profile case from 2024. This meeting involved faculty discussing a potential resolution of no confidence in the administration.

The faculty raised concerns about how previous allegations have been handled. The school’s president, Michael Kotlikoff, faced tough questions on the scope and depth of external investigations into assault cases. CBS News New York’s investigative reporter, Mahsa Saeidi, managed to secure exclusive video footage of the meeting, despite the session being closed to outsiders.

During the meeting, a speaker queried Kotlikoff about the range of assaults being examined. Kotlikoff stated that the review was broad and independent, with no specific timeline set for how far the investigation would go back.

In another exchange, faculty accused the administration of suppressing academic freedom and punishing students for nonviolent speech since 2023. Kotlikoff requested evidence of these restrictions, indicating a need for transparency in the administration’s actions.

Further meetings are planned, with a decisive vote on the no-confidence resolution expected shortly after October 28. Faculty have expressed that the 2024 case may only represent a fraction of the ongoing issues, as multiple students have indicated fear in reporting incidents.

All seven individuals accused in the 2024 case have denied the allegations. The situation remains unresolved, adding pressure on Cornell to address these serious concerns with integrity and transparency.