Cornell president Michael Kotlikoff says he did not review the confidential sexual assault records from the school’s Title IX investigation. The admission came in an interview with The New York Times, as TMZ reported.
Michael Kotlikoff says he avoided reviewing confidential Title IX investigation documents
Michael Kotlikoff told The New York Times he is “personally sorry” for what Jane Doe says she experienced while enrolled at Cornell, as per TMZ.
Doe’s claims are part of a civil lawsuit filed last month against Cornell, a fraternity chapter, and seven former members. Lawyers for some of the men have denied the allegations.
According to TMZ, the interview showed how little Kotlikoff says he knew about the original 2024 investigation into Doe’s sexual assault claims. He said he did not read hundreds of pages of confidential records compiled during the Title IX investigation, explaining that he wanted to respect students’ privacy. Kotlikoff added that the administration now has more information than it did back then.
Scott Schneider, a Title IX lawyer and adviser, told the Times that a university president can review an entire Title IX file when it serves a “legitimate institutional purpose.” TMZ noted that this means Kotlikoff could have gone through the case to help refine the school’s process for handling sexual assault complaints, but chose not to.
Kotlikoff also said he was not informed when the Tompkins County District Attorney decided not to charge anyone. He was not notified when Doe dropped out of school either. The DA’s office has since reopened its review of the case.
Despite the controversy, Kotlikoff says he is not stepping down, but that may not be his call. TMZ reported that the faculty senate is expected to hold a vote of no confidence later this month.
Cornell is also taking steps to curb on-campus drug and alcohol use. Kotlikoff announced on Tuesday that fraternities are prohibited from holding parties through the rest of the academic year, according to TMZ. Mandatory previously covered how the Ithaca mayor took aim at Cornell’s Greek life.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
