Faculty at Cornell University are considering a no-confidence vote against the administration due to campus turmoil from sexual assault allegations. On Tuesday, student protesters intensified their demonstrations over these charges.

The resolution of no confidence gained support from 40 out of the 75 voting members in the faculty senate. Professor Paul Ortiz, who sponsored the resolution, stated, “We were approached by many Cornell colleagues demanding action. Students expressed fear for their safety and urged us to address the persistent issue of sexual assault on campus.”

Students protest in Ithaca, N.Y. over assault allegations at the Chi Phi fraternity (Richard Beetham for Fox News Digital)

Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff addressed students in a campus assembly, facing questions and protests. He assured, “We’re not hiding anything at Cornell.” He promised new proposals to improve the campus culture and address the issues.

Currently, Kotlikoff has not resigned, despite student demands.

Students protest at Cornell University, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026 (Richard Beetham for Fox News Digital)

A lawsuit accuses seven former Chi Phi fraternity members of drugging and sexually assaulting a female student during a 2024 incident. The lawsuit claims the student, identified as Jane Doe, was pressured into taking drugs and was then assaulted. The accused deny any wrongdoing.

Protests at Ho Plaza in response to allegations against Chi Phi members (Richard Beetham for Fox News Digital)

The political and legal implications have intensified as New York Attorney General Letitia James investigates further, following the appointment of the Office of the Attorney General as a special prosecutor by Gov. Kathy Hochul. Concurrently, Cornell has hired outside counsel to review the university’s response to these allegations.

The case centers on sharply differing accounts of the events. Initially, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten chose not to pursue charges, citing Doe’s statement that described her actions as voluntary and consensual. These claims contrast with later allegations made in the lawsuit.

Ongoing protests highlight campus unrest over the alleged incident (Richard Beetham for Fox News Digital)