Accuser says Cornell president's comment left her feeling dismissed

Jane Doe, identified in court documents as the woman accusing seven Cornell students of raping her in a fraternity house, wrote to faculty leaders describing a conversation in which President Michael Kotlikoff allegedly asked why she delayed reporting the assault. The comment, relayed to her by the president of her sorority, left her feeling disbelieved and doubtful of the university's ability to address her case fairly.

Her letter, sent through her attorneys Thomas Giuffra and W. Whitney Seals, arrives as Cornell faculty debate a resolution of no confidence in the administration's response to a perceived ongoing sexual-assault crisis. The faculty Senate will resume discussion on Oct. 28 before an electronic vote. Kotlikoff has not responded to inquiries about the letter. Student protests and a state investigation continue to pressure the university over its disciplinary procedures.