Former Cornell student says president Kotlikoff left her feeling unsupported

The short version

• A former Cornell student says in a letter to faculty leaders that President Michael Kotlikoff left her feeling disbelieved.[The Guardian]
• Her letter relays a second-hand account, which Cornell disputes, that Kotlikoff questioned her delayed reporting of an alleged assault.[The Guardian]
• She sued Cornell, the Chi Phi fraternity, seven former members and her sorority in September over an alleged 2024 assault.[The Guardian]
• Records obtained by the Times show an internal investigation led to two expulsions, two suspensions and one campus ban.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• A former Cornell student wrote a letter to campus faculty leaders saying she felt unsupported and disbelieved by President Michael Kotlikoff.[The Guardian]
• The letter relays a second-hand account of a January 2025 comment by Kotlikoff during a meeting with her sorority leader.[The Guardian]
• A Cornell spokesperson said the second-hand account is incorrect and that the question about reporting was directed at bystanders.[The Guardian]
• In September, the former student filed a civil lawsuit against Cornell, the Chi Phi fraternity, seven former members and her sorority over an alleged October 2024 assault.[The Guardian]
• According to records obtained by the New York Times, an internal Cornell investigation led to two expulsions, two suspensions and one campus ban.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Ex-student alleging sexual assault felt ‘unsupported’ by Cornell presidentThe Guardian - US
• Cornell faculty member alleges "silencing of Jane Doe's voice"CBS News - US
• Woman who accused students of rape says Cornell president’s response made her feel ‘unsupported’Associated Press
• Jane Doe says she felt 'unsupported and disbelieved' by Cornell presidentABC News - Top Stories