Cornell president promises reforms after alleged gang rape

Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff said on Saturday that the university will pursue reforms after an alleged gang rape drew national attention. In remarks to the campus community, Kotlikoff said the administration and the wider university must do better in responding to and preventing incidents like the one involving the student identified as Jane. Kotlikoff framed the response as both an administrative and community obligation, saying the university must "do everything we can to prevent what happened to Jane." His comments come amid heightened scrutiny of Cornell’s handling of sexual-assault allegations following the incident that thrust the school into the national spotlight. The president’s pledge signals an intention to review and change existing policies or practices, though he did not outline specific measures in the quoted remarks. The statement represents a public acknowledgment of shortcomings and an assurance that the university is considering next steps to improve safety and support for students. Campus leaders and observers will likely look for further details on the scope and timing of proposed reforms, and whether the university will release a formal plan or independent review. For now, Kotlikoff’s statement serves as the university’s initial public response to the controversy surrounding the alleged assault.