The sit-in comes two days after Cornell professors introduced a resolution calling for a vote of no confidence in the university administration over its handling of the alleged assault at the Chi Phi fraternity. The resolution was presented to the University’s Faculty Committee on Monday night, according to a copy obtained by NBC News. Cornell has come under intense scrutiny over how it responded to Jane Doe’s allegations in November 2024, and Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten has been criticized for declining to file charges against the accused. The university and the district attorney have defended their original 2024 investigations. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul effectively replaced Van Houten as lead investigator last week and appointed state Attorney General Letitia James to oversee the case. Cornell and Van Houten have publicly welcomed James’ participation. “I trust she will examine the facts and apply the law,” Van Houten said in a statement Friday. Wednesday’s sit-in was announced on Instagram by a group of campus organizations, including Black Students United, the Cornell NAACP, Mecha at Cornell, Planned Parenthood Generation Action at Cornell, Students for a Democratic Cornell and a student-led chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. “The sit-in will be a space for students to share their support for survivors of sexual violence in countless ways, including sharing resources and teachings,” the student groups said on Instagram.
