Cornell Faculty Senate Introduces Censorship Resolution Over Handling of Sexual Assault Allegations in 2024

Cornell University professors have introduced a resolution declaring a vote of no confidence in the university administration’s handling of the alleged 2024 sexual assault at a fraternity house.

The resolution was submitted to the university committee Monday evening, according to a copy obtained by NBC News.

“The Faculty Senate has no confidence in the ability of central administration to effectively respond to the ongoing sexual assault crisis at Cornell University,” states the resolution, which is less than half a page long.

The measure is expected to be considered by the Faculty Senate, which will meet Oct. 14, according to a statement from Faculty Senator Paul Ortiz.

“The goal is to truly force systemic change,” Ortiz, a labor history professor, said in a statement.

Ortiz added that “students are telling us stories that they don’t feel safe, and this has been going on for several years” and called the situation a “systemic problem.” He reiterated that the Senate was not “targeting any individual” but that students and faculty “were not satisfied with the response.”

“Women need to feel safe,” he said.

In a statement accompanying the resolution, faculty sponsors said “many Cornell colleagues” had approached them demanding action, while students told faculty they were “distraught, fearful for their personal safety” and wanted the Ivy League school to address sexual assault on campus.

Cornell alumni also reached out to faculty members and shared “their own traumatic stories as students,” the statement added.

Cornell did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The proposed censure resolution marks an escalation of pressure on Cornell and its administration following national scrutiny of how the matter was handled. Last month, a former student identified as Jane Doe sued the university and seven current and former students in connection with the alleged sexual assault.

She alleges that in October 2024, she was sexually assaulted by several fraternity members while under the influence of alcohol, ketamine and marijuana.

The woman’s allegations made national headlines for days and sparked protests on the university’s campus after widespread criticism that the university and local authorities had not adequately investigated the woman’s allegations.