Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff has publicly acknowledged that in 2024 he learned a student had reported being gang‑raped at a fraternity house on campus, yet he never pursued any follow‑up to determine the outcome of the allegation or whether the accused students faced discipline.
The admission comes as the university prepares for a scheduled no‑confidence debate among faculty and staff, a meeting that could scrutinize Kotlikoff’s leadership and the administration’s handling of sexual‑assault cases.
Kotlikoff’s statement confirms that, despite being aware of the serious report, he did not inquire about the investigation’s progress, the support provided to the survivor, or any sanctions imposed on the alleged perpetrators.
Cornell, an Ivy League institution located in Ithaca, New York, is subject to federal Title IX regulations that require colleges to address reports of sexual violence promptly and fairly. The president’s lack of follow‑up raises questions about compliance with those obligations.
University officials and student advocates have called for a transparent review of the incident and for accountability measures to ensure that future reports receive timely and thorough attention.
<small>Source: PBS NewsHour — read the original story there.</small>
