Several Cornell University faculty members have expressed concerns about a letter purportedly from a Jane Doe, alleging non-support by university president Michael Kotlikoff. The letter, central to a lawsuit claiming a gang rape at a fraternity party in 2024, has triggered both a criminal investigation and an independent review of Cornell’s handling of the case.
According to faculty, this letter, dated October 14, was sent to university leaders but not shared with all faculty members. It coincided with discussions in the Faculty Senate about a no-confidence vote in Kotlikoff’s administration.
A faculty member commented on the situation by describing it as a “silencing of Jane Doe’s voice.” Doe’s message stated she felt “unsupported and disbelieved” by Kotlikoff. The letter encouraged faculty awareness before their vote.
Three faculty sources informed CBS News New York’s Mahsa Saeidi that university administrators had not distributed the letter to them. Faculty Senate member Risa Lieberwitz highlighted the lack of opportunity to query about the letter due to its nondistribution.
What we have is the silencing of Jane Doe’s voice when we could have addressed it during the meeting,said Lieberwitz.
The university indicated that the dean had sent the letter to general counsel for validation before sharing it with the independent review. Lieberwitz questioned the transparency of this process.
A copy of the letter obtained by CBS News New York described a conversation relayed by Doe’s former sorority president. The president reportedly said that Kotlikoff expressed skepticism about Doe’s delay in presenting her allegations. This conversation made Doe feel “unsupported and disbelieved.” Doe’s attorney confirmed the letter’s authenticity.
Cornell countered the letter’s claims, stating that Kotlikoff questioned the delay in reporting by bystanders, not Doe herself. Faculty members argued that the letter should have been communicated to all members promptly. They received it just before a second meeting on a no-confidence vote set for October 24, where Kotlikoff was not expected to attend.
Professor David Bateman from the American Association of University Professors voiced support for a no-confidence vote. He cited the administration’s perceived lack of commitment to change as his reasoning.
I was not persuaded that the administration is earnest about listening to students and faculty in a serious manner,Bateman explained.
Former Acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates, leading the review of Cornell’s handling of sexual assault allegations, communicated via email her intent to thoroughly examine the university’s responses and policies, and to provide recommendations.
The seven individuals accused in Doe’s lawsuit have denied all allegations.
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