Exclusive video footage reveals key moments from a pivotal meeting at Cornell University, where the school’s president, Michael Kotlikoff, addressed pressing questions about the handling of sexual assault allegations. Faculty members are contemplating a no-confidence resolution in the administration due to concerns over this issue.
Increased scrutiny follows the 2024 report of a gang-rape at a fraternity house. Earlier this month, the university appointed Sally Yates, former Deputy U.S. Attorney General, to lead a comprehensive independent review of how misconduct claims are managed, including the notable 2024 case. President Kotlikoff announced collaboration with New York State Police to involve independent experts in investigating sexual assault allegations.
The faculty meeting was closed to the media, with no cameras permitted to ensure uninhibited debate. However, investigative reporter Mahsa Saeidi from CBS News New York obtained insider access.
“Can you name all types of assaults, sexual or otherwise, and indicate the timeframe for the investigations?”
asked a speaker, challenging President Kotlikoff about the scope of the outside investigation.
Kotlikoff responded that the review would have a broad mandate and was forthcoming about its open nature, though details on the timeline were less clear.
“We’ve seen suppression of our academic freedom and students’ voices,”
expressed another speaker, accusing the administration of restricting academic speech since 2023.
“What academic speech has been restricted?”
questioned Kotlikoff. The speaker replied that over 80 students had been penalized for nonviolent speech in the past few years.
Another meeting is scheduled for October 28, after which faculty will have around one week to cast votes on the no-confidence resolution. Some faculty members indicated that incidents like the 2024 case are part of a larger pattern of unreported assaults, stemming from fear among students and former students.
The men accused in the 2024 case have denied the allegations. More details to follow from CBS News as the story develops.
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