Cornell faces protests Yates to lead outside review

Oct 5

Bryan Llenas reports from Ithaca on Monday's large student and faculty protest over Cornell's handling of Jane Doe's October 2024 rape allegations and broader campus sexual assault complaints. Paul Ortiz discusses a planned faculty no-confidence vote; some protesters demand President Michael Kotlikoff resign and seek stronger penalties for five of seven accused men. Fox says two were reportedly expelled. Cornell announces Sally Yates will lead an independent review of its response and procedures. The initial DA investigation produced no criminal charges; all seven men deny the accusations, and an accused man's lawyer welcomes a rigorous, fair review with due process. Letitia James's office is investigating as special prosecutor. A town hall is taking place that evening and a sit-in is planned for the next day; neither future action nor the no-confidence vote is reported completed.

Students and faculty protest at Cornell on October 5 over the university's response to Jane Doe's disputed October 2024 sexual-assault allegations and what participants describe as a broader campus problem. Fox reports thousands attending, demands for Kotlikoff's resignation and stronger sanctions, and a faculty no-confidence resolution being prepared. The vote is not reported completed; all seven accused men deny the allegations and the initial criminal inquiry filed no charges.