Cornell President Says Greek Life Could End Without Safe Conditions

Kotlikoff addresses fraternity safety

At Wednesday night’s Faculty Senate meeting, Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff said the university should end Greek life if fraternity gatherings cannot be made safe. He argued that such a decision should rely on data, study and expertise rather than emotion.

Kotlikoff said fraternities had become the center of student social activity. He pointed to the closure of many bars and areas without drinking in Collegetown after COVID, saying much social activity now takes place in private houses where the university cannot be fully confident conditions are safe.

Debate over no-confidence resolution

The Faculty Senate is set to vote later this month on a resolution declaring it has no confidence in the central administration’s ability to address Cornell’s ongoing sexual assault crisis. A simple majority is needed for passage, but the measure is largely symbolic because the Senate cannot fire administrators.

Associate professor Ariana Kim said the meeting drew more than 300 people, with about 100 attending in person and nearly 200 on Zoom. The meeting lasted more than two hours, and an associate professor described the resolution as having mostly strong support alongside some opposition.

Faculty describe meeting exchanges

Professor Risa Lieberwitz said Kotlikoff did not answer questions or take responsibility for problems. Kotlikoff rejected the suggestion that he was uninterested or unconcerned, saying he responded when the matter was reported to the Title IX office and established an independent task force.

The question-and-answer session lasted about 45 minutes before Kotlikoff left. Faculty members then discussed the no-confidence resolution and concerns about democratic governance on campus, Lieberwitz said.

Hearing and vote ahead

The Faculty Senate will hold another hearing on Oct. 28 before members vote on the resolution. Ortiz said he believed it would pass if put to a vote that day.