Michael Kotlikoff also pledged greater transparency amid increasing outrage over the school’s handling of the case.
Cornell’s president spoke out about the alleged gang rape of a student at a fraternity house in 2024, calling it “deeply disturbing” on Saturday, October 3.
In recent days, Cornell came under scrutiny over its response to allegations that the woman was sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members in 2024. “It raises heartbreaking and troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanization and aspects of party culture, alcohol and drug use. Kotlikoff reaffirmed his commitment to supporting an independent review of Cornell’s handling of the case that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called for. He added that the school’s Board of Trustees would announce details next week. “We don’t have all the answers, but we are committed to investigating and finding the answers our community deserves. The woman is identified as Jane Doe in court documents. She has sued the university and seven former students. During a student assembly hearing Thursday where students got the opportunity to voice their concerns, many speakers called for Kotlikoff’s resignation. The president acknowledged frustration that Cornell has not communicated enough, adding that it led to mistrust. Kotlikoff called for a “serious look at the role of fraternities and sororities in campus life.
Kotlikoff said in an eight-minute video message to the Cornell community that the past week was one of the most difficult in the university’s history. “My heart aches when I think of what she experienced,” Kotlikoff said, per the Ottumwa Courier. “I want to acknowledge something that can be difficult for an institution to say,” Kotlikoff said. he promised there would be greater transparency and more opportunities for students, parents and others to engage with university leaders While citing “real legal and privacy limits” on what the university can disclose. “Being part of a group can never diminish individual responsibility for our own actions, for how we treat others or for speaking up when someone may be at risk,” he said.
