Cornell Jane Doe Accuses University President of Expressing Doubt Over Rape Report

A former Cornell University student who filed a civil lawsuit alleging she was gang-raped at a fraternity house in October 2024 has written to faculty leaders, stating that initial remarks by University President Michael Kotlikoff left her feeling "unsupported and disbelieved."

The woman, identified in court filings as Jane Doe, submitted a letter dated October 14th to faculty leaders as they prepare to hold an electronic vote of no confidence regarding Kotlikoff's administration on October 28th. In her letter, Doe relayed a second-hand account of a conversation between Kotlikoff and the former president of her sorority, writing that his initial response was "along the lines of, 'Why did she wait so long to report it?'"

Doe, who reported the alleged assault to campus police on November 8th, approximately three weeks after the incident, explained the emotional impact of the reported conversation:

"It diminished my confidence in the administration's ability to approach my experience with the understanding, sensitivity, and fairness I had hoped for and expected from what had been my dream school."

Her attorney, Thomas Giuffra, confirmed the letter's authenticity, stating:

"The letter was sent for informational purposes only. Jane Doe thought it important that the Faculty Senate have this information as it deliberates and considers the resolutions or motions before it. Jane Doe would ask the Faculty Senate to give her letter whatever weight or credibility it deems appropriate."

In her letter, Doe added that she was not attempting to dictate the outcome:

"My intention is not to prescribe how the Senate should interpret this account, but rather to provide information that its members may wish to consider or investigate further. It is important to me that the Faculty Senate be made aware of this letter so that its members can make an informed choice about how they wish to consider or act upon the information it contains."

Cornell University strongly disputed Doe's description of the meeting. A university spokesperson stated that her second-hand version was inaccurate according to documented first-hand accounts:

"The second-hand account of the question asked by President Kotlikoff in a January 2025 meeting in the letter is incorrect, based on a documented first-hand account. The question 'why did it take so long for the assault to be reported' was directed at bystanders who did not use Cornell's anonymous tip line, despite ongoing social media activity about the incident in October 2024. He was not questioning Jane Doe's reporting."

Dean of Faculty Chris Schaffer emailed senators confirming he received the letter on October 14th, explaining that he forwarded it to university legal counsel and an independent investigative team before distributing it widely. While Schaffer expressed opposition to the no-confidence resolution, he acknowledged widespread concern, saying: "The anger in our community is justified and I share it."

Faculty members voiced strong frustration during a Senate meeting where Kotlikoff was questioned regarding oversight of fraternities and campus safety. Paul Ortiz, a labor history professor who sponsored the no-confidence motion, criticized administrative priorities and expressed disappointment that the letter had to be uncovered via news outlets:

"I am disappointed that the letter that Jane Doe sent to Cornell faculty has still not been shared with the faculty and that we are only learning about it because of media coverage."

Another co-sponsor of the resolution, anthropology professor Noah Tamarkin, said:

"I continue to feel that the current administration hasn't yet shown the capacity to do this…We need leadership that understands how much that matters."

Kotlikoff highlighted steps taken by the university following the allegations, including suspending fraternity parties, and remarked to faculty:

"We are all extraordinarily upset by the events at Cornell in October of 2024."

In response to the lawsuit, the local prosecutor reopened the criminal investigation into the Chi Phi fraternity incident, while all seven accused former members have denied wrongdoing through legal representatives.

Concurrently, former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates is leading an independent review into Cornell's handling of the case and its broader institutional procedures. In an update to the campus community, Yates emphasized the review's independence and breadth:

"We understand that some may be skeptical of our independence — I assure you that our independence is not a formality…We will follow the facts wherever they lead with unwavering candor and principled judgment so that this community — and the public — can have confidence in the integrity of our findings."

The Faculty Senate plans to resume deliberations on the no-confidence resolution ahead of its scheduled vote.