An exclusive video has revealed details of a crucial meeting at Cornell University held on Wednesday. The university’s president, Michael Kotlikoff, faced tough inquiries from faculty members concerning the institution’s management of sexual assault allegations. The faculty is deliberating on a resolution of no confidence in the school’s administration.
This discussion follows a serious incident reported two years ago, where a student alleged being gang-raped at a fraternity house. The university recently appointed former Deputy U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates to lead a thorough independent review of its handling of sexual misconduct claims, encompassing the 2024 case.
Additionally, Kotlikoff announced changes in collaboration with New York State Police to involve independent experts in investigating these allegations.
The meeting included a closed debate on whether the faculty maintains confidence in the university’s leadership on this issue.
Despite restrictions on media access to maintain the integrity of the debate, CBS News New York’s investigative reporter Mahsa Saeidi secured footage through a source. The video depicts a speaker interrogating President Kotlikoff about the scope and retroactive nature of the external investigation.
Kotlikoff responded, That is a board review. I don’t dictate that review. It’s an open review. It does have a very broad mandate. I don’t know how far back they’re going to go, frankly, but I will say that we’re open to anything they ask.
Further footage captures another exchange, with claims of suppressed academic freedom and restricted student voices under Kotlikoff’s administration.
The video includes a claim of punishment meted to over 80 students for nonviolent speech since 2023. Another meeting is scheduled for October 28, after which faculty members will vote on the no-confidence resolution.
Some faculty members informed CBS News New York that the 2024 allegation is merely the initial revelation. Other students have reportedly been reluctant to report their own experiences due to fear.
The accused individuals from the 2024 case have denied the allegations.
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