Education
Ex-student alleges Cornell president doubted her gang-rape claim ahead of no-confidence vote
October 20, 2026 at 08:28 PM
Coverage
3 reports · over 5 hours
CNCNN
Jane Doe said she felt ‘unsupported and disbelieved’ by Cornell president in letter sent to faculty leaders
(opens the publisher’s site)
BNBBC News
Ex-student says embattled Cornell University head doubted her gang-rape allegation
(opens the publisher’s site)
TGThe Guardian
Ex-student alleging sexual assault felt ‘unsupported’ by Cornell president
(opens the publisher’s site)Former Cornell student Jane Doe has accused President Michael Kotlikoff of questioning why she delayed reporting an alleged gang rape, ahead of a faculty no-confidence vote.
- Doe wrote a letter dated 14 October saying Kotlikoff's "initial response" was "Why did she wait so long to report it?"
- Cornell said the second-hand account is incorrect, stating the question was directed at bystanders who did not use its anonymous tip line.
- The faculty senate scheduled a no-confidence vote on Kotlikoff's leadership for 28 October.
- The seven former fraternity members accused in Doe's lawsuit have denied wrongdoing, and none has been charged.