Symbolic Faculty Confidence Vote Could Send Message to Trustees: A Guide to Understanding Cornell University’s Resolution
Lawsuit at the center
The lawsuit alleges that one man used Snapchat to invite other fraternity members to join, and includes a photograph of the chat. None of the seven men has been criminally charged, and all have denied wrongdoing.
How the vote will work
Cornell’s faculty senate will consider a resolution of no confidence in the university’s administration. A dozen senate members co-sponsored the measure, and it needs a majority vote to pass.
The faculty senate website lists 136 voting members. A second debate session is scheduled for October 28. Voting will begin afterward and take place online through November 6.
A message to trustees
The vote is largely symbolic, but it may signal faculty concerns to the university’s trustees. Trustees have the power to fire the president and other senior administrators. Professor Paul Ortiz, the resolution’s lead sponsor, said people beyond the senate had contacted its sponsors. He said they viewed the Jane Doe case as “but the tip of the iceberg.”
Key points
- The lawsuit alleges a 2024 assault at a Chi Phi fraternity house; all seven men named have denied wrongdoing.
- The faculty senate resolution was co-sponsored by a dozen members and requires a majority to pass.
- Debate is scheduled for October 28, with online voting through November 6.
- The symbolic vote could send a message to trustees, who can fire senior administrators.