'Culture of fear': Cornell faculty debate no-confidence resolution aimed at school's handling of sexual assault

Faculty debate confidence resolution

At Wednesday’s faculty senate meeting, Professor Ortiz criticized Cornell’s handling of sexual assault and described a climate of fear. He said students who spoke with faculty had been afraid to report assaults, believing the university regarded rape as a public-relations issue rather than a serious crime.

The resolution under debate states that the Faculty Senate has no confidence in the central administration’s ability to address the ongoing sexual-assault crisis. It does not demand specific steps, such as resignations or policy changes. Senators described the discussion as heated, with most speakers appearing to support the resolution.

Fraternity allegations remain under investigation

The meeting came about a month after allegations of a gang rape at a campus fraternity drew attention at Cornell. No criminal charges have been filed in the case, and an investigation by the New York attorney general is continuing.

All seven fraternity brothers named in a civil lawsuit have denied wrongdoing. Ortiz said the administration had failed to address concerns raised by the Jane Doe case and other accounts of sexual assault and trauma.

University outlines recent measures

Ortiz acknowledged recent changes announced by Cornell leaders but argued they came too late and did not go far enough. President Michael Kotlikoff spoke to the faculty senate and defended the university’s measures.

Cornell has pledged to add staff to its Office of Civil Rights, which conducts Title IX investigations. The university also plans to report sexual-assault allegations to New York State Police while it reviews its policies.

In a video released earlier this month, Kotlikoff said Cornell must improve and called the situation a defining moment for the university. He pledged to take steps so the school’s work on these issues matches its stated commitments.

Faculty senate represents academic staff

Cornell describes its faculty senate as a governing body that supports communication among faculty in managing university objectives. Professors, senior lecturers, librarians, archivists and other academic titleholders are eligible to serve. Senators serve three-year terms.