Former Student Accuses Cornell President in No-Confidence Vote

A former student identified as Jane Doe sent a letter to the Cornell University faculty senate alleging that President Michael Kotlikoff left her feeling unsupported and disbelieved. In the letter dated October 14, 2026, Doe describes a January 2025 meeting where Kotlikoff allegedly questioned why she waited to report a sexual assault.

Cornell University officials disputed this account, stating the question was directed at bystanders who failed to use an anonymous tip line rather than the victim. The university noted that the inquiry concerned bystanders who did not report the incident despite social media activity in October 2024.

The letter was delivered by Doe's lawyer, Thomas P. Giuffra, as the faculty senate prepares to debate and vote on a rare resolution of no-confidence in Kotlikoff's administration starting October 28. Doe is currently pursuing a lawsuit against the university, the Chi Phi fraternity, seven former fraternity brothers, and the Delta Delta Delta sorority, alleging she was drugged and gang-raped in October 2024.