The pressure on Cornell is now moving on several fronts: an independent review, a state investigation, a faculty vote and further protests.
Over the weekend, Kotlikoff recorded a video for students promising more transparency and accountability—pledging, without specificity, to “do better.”
“What happened to Jane Doe in 2024 is deeply disturbing and will weigh heavily on our community for years to come,” he said.
On Tuesday, Cornell University’s Board of Trustees named Sally Yates, a former acting U.S. attorney general and career federal prosecutor, to lead an independent review of the university’s handling of the case.
“The review will examine Cornell’s policies, practices and resources across the full range of prevention and response, including how reports are received and investigated; how students are supported; how hearings, disciplinary decisions and appeals are handled … and policies and oversight involving fraternities, sororities, and other student organizations,” according to the accompanying statement.
