Kotlikoff apologizes to Jane Doe and says Cornell must do better
Michael KotlikoffPresident of Cornell University, delivering the State of the University address
Michael Kotlikoff apologizes to Jane Doe and other women and acknowledges failures in Cornell's response.
“I am sorry, for all of the ways that you were failed. And I am deeply grateful to everyone who has come forward, who has shared their stories and their understanding. Enough is enough. And we must do better.”
Original text
Where this statement fits
Did Cornell adequately discipline the students named in the Cornell 7 lawsuit?
A former Cornell student alleges that seven Chi Phi members sexually assaulted her in October 2024 and that Cornell mishandled the aftermath. The Cornell Daily Sun's editorial board and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized the university's response. Cornell says its Title IX process resulted in expulsions and suspensions, and that essays were not the sole consequence for any student found responsible. The individual sanctions have not been publicly detailed.
Source and context
Original text
About this source
Cornell publishes the full address delivered October 15. The page includes the university's video of the speech.
Before the quotation
Kotlikoff told the audience at his State of the University address that the speech he had planned was not one he could give that evening because the community was reeling from the assault on Jane Doe. He then apologized to Jane Doe and to women who had shared their experiences of sexual assault.
After the quotation
He calls for changes to fraternity culture and a sustained university response.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The case asks whether Cornell's response to the allegations, including its discipline of the students, was adequate. Cornell's president apologizes for all of the ways Jane Doe was failed and says Cornell must do better, which concedes that the university's response fell short, so we labeled it Condemned. He does not describe the sanctions the students received.
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More from this case
Read the full caseChaudhuri criticizes Cornell administrators' efforts to combat sexual violence
“what (the) admin is doing right now to combat it is clearly not enough.”Read statement
Kotlikoff distinguishes sanctions knowledge from case details
“It is not accurate that I didn't know that any of the men were punished,”Read statement
Muratova says Cornell's response remains inadequate
“your students deserve better”Read statement
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The Dispute Index. "Kotlikoff apologizes to Jane Doe and says Cornell must do better". First published: 2026-10-20. Last updated: 2026-10-20. https://disputeindex.com/events/6103-michael-kotlikoff-apologizes-to-jane-doe-and-other