Cornell Faculty Discuss Letter from Jane Doe and Concerns Over University’s Response

Some faculty at Cornell University claim they were not shown a letter from Jane Doe, which criticized university president Michael Kotlikoff. Jane Doe alleged she felt “unsupported and disbelieved” by Kotlikoff following her claims of gang rape at a 2024 fraternity party. Her accusations have sparked controversy and criminal investigation, along with an independent review of Cornell’s handling of the case.

The letter, dated October 14, was addressed to faculty leaders, coinciding with Faculty Senate discussions on a possible no-confidence vote in Kotlikoff’s administration. The writer emphasized she wasn’t instructing faculty on how to vote but wanted them informed. Yet, three faculty sources reported to CBS News New York’s Mahsa Saeidi they hadn’t received the letter.

I think what’s most important is that the Faculty Senate did not receive that letter from Jane Doe, said Risa Lieberwitz, a member of the Faculty Senate.

The absence of the letter was seen as silencing Jane Doe’s voice during a crucial meeting where the committee could have questioned Kotlikoff. University officials stated the letter went to general counsel for verification before being included in the independent review. Lieberwitz questioned the transparency of this process.

CBS News New York obtained the letter from another source. The letter describes a discussion where the former sorority president claimed Kotlikoff questioned why Doe didn’t report sooner, contributing to her feeling unsupported. Doe’s attorney confirmed the letter’s authenticity to the New York Times. Faculty sources assert the letter should’ve been shared earlier, and its late receipt sparked mixed reactions ahead of the October 24 meeting to discuss a no-confidence vote. Kotlikoff is not expected to attend.

Associate Professor David Bateman supports the no-confidence vote, citing dissatisfaction with university administration’s effectiveness in addressing student and faculty concerns. Former Acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates, appointed to review Cornell’s handling of sexual assault cases, is committed to examining Doe’s allegations and university policies, promising recommendations based on findings.

The accused seven men deny the allegations in Doe’s lawsuit.

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