Controversy Surrounds Cornell University Amid Allegations

Some faculty members at Cornell University have raised concerns over a letter purportedly from Jane Doe. This letter claims Doe felt unsupported and disbelieved by university president Michael Kotlikoff. The letter was reportedly not shared with the entire faculty.

Doe has filed a lawsuit alleging gang rape at a 2024 fraternity party. These allegations have incited significant controversy and prompted both a criminal investigation and an independent review at Cornell regarding its handling of her claims.

The letter, dated October 14, was sent to Cornell faculty leaders. This coincided with discussions in the Faculty Senate on a potential no-confidence vote against Kotlikoff’s administration.

Within the letter, the writer expresses feelings of disbelief from Kotlikoff. They request that faculty be informed before voting. However, three Cornell faculty members informed CBS News New York’s Mahsa Saeidi that they had not received the letter from the university administration.

“I think what’s most important is that the Faculty Senate did not receive that letter from Jane Doe,” stated Cornell Faculty Senate member Risa Lieberwitz. She mentioned that the Faculty Senate’s lack of receipt prevented direct questioning of Kotlikoff.

The university has explained that the dean of faculty forwarded the letter to general counsel for verification before sharing it with the independent review. Lieberwitz expressed concerns about transparency regarding this process. CBS News New York obtained the letter through another source. It describes a conversation relayed to the writer by a former sorority president, alleging Kotlikoff questioned Doe’s delay in reporting her allegations.

The letter indicates that Doe “felt unsupported and disbelieved by President Kotlikoff.” Contacted by CBS News New York, Doe’s attorney confirmed to the New York Times the letter’s authenticity. Cornell disputes parts of the letter, claiming Kotlikoff questioned why bystanders did not report the incident sooner.

Some faculty insisted the letter should have been shared with them. Lieberwitz acknowledged it was fortunate they received it ahead of the second meeting set for October 24 to discuss the no-confidence vote. Kotlikoff is not expected to attend this upcoming meeting.

Associate Professor David Bateman, from the American Association of University Professors, supports the no-confidence vote. “I was not convinced that the university administration will change its approach to address student and faculty concerns seriously,” Bateman commented.

Former Acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates, appointed by Cornell to lead a review of the university’s handling of sexual assault claims, stated plans to review Doe’s allegations response and policies on sexual harassment and assault. Her email promises to make recommendations based on the findings.

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

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