Cornell Faculty Express Lack of Confidence in University Administration

Cornell University Faculty Senate Passes Vote of No Confidence in Administration

The Cornell University Faculty Senate took a significant step on Friday by approving a resolution expressing no confidence in the university’s administration. This decision comes approximately one month after troubling allegations of violent rape made by a former student raised questions regarding the administration’s handling of sexual assault reports.

Of the 135 faculty senators present, 55.6 percent supported the resolution, while 37 percent voted against it, and 7.4 percent abstained, as indicated in an official news release.

Concerns Raised Over Administration’s Response

Discussions surrounding the vote had been ongoing for several weeks, with advocates emphasizing that President Michael Kotlikoff’s response to the serious allegations was insufficiently timely. They contend that the university must take more effective measures to confront the pervasive issue of sexual assault on campus.

“The Cornell central administration has taken a reactive and piecemeal approach, which has eroded the trust of students, faculty, and staff,” stated Risa Lieberwitz, a co-sponsor of the resolution, in an interview with The New York Times. “They appear lacking in the desire to genuinely implement systemic change.”

Support for President Kotlikoff from Board of Trustees

In light of the faculty senate’s resolution, Anne Meinig Smalling, Chair of the Board of Trustees, reaffirmed the board’s backing for President Kotlikoff. She expressed confidence that he and his administration are the appropriate leaders to effectively tackle the serious issues surrounding sexual assault on campus.

Meinig Smalling emphasized that this confidence is rooted in the administration’s past actions, upcoming plans, and its historical success in navigating complex challenges. “President Kotlikoff and his team have a comprehensive approach focused on enhancing student safety, improving survivor support, and addressing necessary cultural changes within our campus. They have already initiated several significant measures, including increasing staff at the Cornell Office of Civil Rights, expanding in-person sexual assault prevention education, and hiring additional victim advocates,” she stated. “More initiatives aimed at continuing this progress will be rolled out in the weeks and months to come.”