Cornell Faculty Senate Votes No Confidence in Central Administration

Overview

• The Faculty Senate approved the symbolic no‑confidence resolution by a recorded vote of 75–50 on Nov. 6, 2026, with five abstentions and five senators not voting and the measure does not itself remove university leaders.
• The Board of Trustees has publicly reaffirmed support for President Michael Kotlikoff despite faculty anger and calls from some professors and students for stronger action.
• Two parallel reviews are under way: an independent inquiry led by former deputy attorney general Sally Q. Yates commissioned by Cornell and a state criminal inquiry directed by New York Attorney General Letitia James, whose role is being challenged in court by some defendants.
• Cornell previously completed a Title IX investigation that produced punishments including two expulsions, suspensions, probation, required trainings and a campus ban for a student who had graduated.
• Sustained student protests, faculty debate and public scrutiny put pressure on trustees to consider concrete changes to fraternity oversight, campus disciplinary procedures and protections for survivors.