On Oct. 28, the Cornell University Faculty Senate in Ithaca, N.Y., will convene to debate a proposed no‑confidence resolution and then hold an electronic vote. The resolution, sponsored by Senator Paul Ortiz, a professor of labor history, calls for the Senate to formally declare that it lacks confidence in the central administration’s ability to address the ongoing sexual assault crisis on campus.
Background and survey findings
At a prior meeting on Oct. 14, the Senate reviewed the resolution and highlighted findings from the Presidential Task Force on Campus Sexual Assault. The biennial study shows that, for the first time in 12 years, the incidence of non‑consensual sexual contact among undergraduate women has risen.
The 2025 campus survey, required by New York state law, revealed that 79% of respondents reported experiencing sexual or gender‑based harassment, up from 45% in 2023. Non‑consensual sexual contact was reported by 35% of students, an increase from 23% in 2023 and 11% in 2021.
Other troubling trends include:
- 49% of respondents reporting sexual or gender‑based harassment, up from 45% in 2023.
- Stalking reports rising to 17% in 2025 from 13% in 2023.
- Domestic or dating violence reported by 19% of respondents.
While awareness of support services such as the SHARE website and the Title IX coordinator has improved—23% of students who experienced non‑consensual sexual contact in 2025 sought formal resources, up from 11% in 2023—many still consider their experiences “not serious enough” to report.
Faculty response and next steps
Faculty senators say they have been approached by students, alumni, and colleagues demanding decisive action. Ortiz and other co‑sponsors argue that the administration’s response has been insufficient, prompting the call for a no‑confidence vote.
Electronic voting on the resolution will follow the Oct. 28 meeting, with results expected within a week.
Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
