Cornell defends its leadership in response to Jane Doe letter

On October 20, 2026, a former Cornell University student known as Jane Doe wrote a letter addressed to the faculty senate alleging that she was gang-raped at a Chi Phi fraternity party in October 2024. Doe claims that after reporting the incident to campus police, President Michael Kotlikoff doubted her and questioned why she waited several weeks to report it. The university disputes this account but has launched an internal investigation and a civil rights inquiry into the matter.

Seven former fraternity members accused by Doe have denied wrongdoing, with no criminal charges filed at the time of initial reporting. However, local prosecutors have since reopened the case. Jane Doe's letter, dated October 14, was sent to faculty leaders ahead of a potential vote on Kotlikoff’s leadership but reportedly not shared with all senate members.

Associate Professor David Bateman and others argue that not distributing Doe’s letter constitutes silencing her voice before a critical Faculty Senate meeting scheduled for the same day. Cornell's new appointee, former Acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates, is leading an independent review of how the university handled Doe’s allegations, examining various aspects including sexual harassment prevention practices and oversight by university leadership.

The debate centers on whether President Kotlikoff’s handling of Doe’s case undermines his credibility among faculty who will vote on his continued tenure as president.