Jane says she felt unsupported and disbelieved by Cornell president after assault report
Letter recounts conversation
Jane Doe, now 22 and a former Cornell student, wrote to the faculty senate earlier this month about her allegations of gang rape at a campus fraternity house in 2024. She said the letter was intended to raise awareness and did not recommend how senators should vote on a no-confidence resolution.
Jane Doe describes impact
Jane Doe said she understood the reported question as casting doubt on her account. She wrote that hearing about the exchange left her feeling unsupported and disbelieved by the university president. She said the experience lowered her confidence that Cornell’s administration would respond to her situation with the sensitivity and fairness she had expected from the school.
Cornell disputes account
The spokesperson said Kotlikoff was not questioning Jane Doe’s report. The statement did not change Jane Doe’s account of what her sorority president had relayed to her.
Civil case remains unresolved
Jane Doe has filed a civil lawsuit against the men and Cornell, alleging she was drugged and raped. The seven fraternity brothers named in the suit deny wrongdoing.
Key points
- Jane Doe told the faculty senate that a reported exchange left her feeling unsupported.
- Cornell’s spokesperson said Kotlikoff’s question concerned bystanders, not Jane Doe’s report.
- Jane Doe has filed a civil suit against Cornell and seven fraternity brothers.
- The fraternity brothers deny wrongdoing, and no criminal charges have been filed.