Cornell Greek life should end if found unsafe, school president says
Cornell University's Faculty Senate met on Wednesday to debate a resolution of no confidence in the school administration.
Key points
- Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff said Greek life should end if fraternities cannot be proven safe.
- All fraternity parties are suspended through the school year during an independent investigation led by Sally Yates.
- The Faculty Senate will vote Oct. 28 on a symbolic no-confidence resolution against the administration.
Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff told the Faculty Senate on Wednesday night that Greek life should be permanently ended if fraternity gatherings cannot be made safe. He made the remarks at the start of a contentious meeting where faculty debated a no-confidence resolution against the administration.
The meeting followed a civil lawsuit by Jane Doe alleging she was drugged and sexually assaulted by multiple men at a Cornell fraternity house in 2024. Attorneys for the accused have denied the allegations, and none of the accused have been charged with a crime.
What Kotlikoff said
Kotlikoff said he appreciated faculty who want Greek life gone but argued decisions should be based on data and study, not emotion. He said if fraternities cannot exist safely and the university cannot be convinced they can be safe, then the decision to end them should be made.
He noted that after COVID, many bars and non-drinking areas in Collegetown shut down, leaving much social activity in private houses where the university cannot fully ensure safety.
If at the end of the day, fraternities cannot exist in a safe environment and we can't be convinced that they can be safe, then we should make that decision.
— Michael Kotlikoff
Investigation and faculty response
All fraternity parties are suspended through the school year while an independent investigation led by former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates examines how Cornell prevents and responds to sexual harassment and assault. The Faculty Senate resolution states it has no confidence in the administration's ability to address the crisis; it needs a simple majority and is largely symbolic.
Faculty questioned why Kotlikoff took a long time to speak about the lawsuit. He rejected the idea he was unconcerned. After a 45-minute Q&A, he left and faculty turned to the resolution. Another hearing is set for Oct. 28 before the vote.
