University Statements

Dear Cornell community,

In spring 2025, we established the Presidential Task Force on Campus Sexual Assault, charging the group with developing a holistic public health framework for addressing sexual assault at Cornell, with a particular focus on supporting undergraduate students on the Ithaca campus. Following months of rigorous study and community conversations — including student focus groups, faculty expertise, research reviews, peer benchmarking, and analysis of historical and recent Cornell survey data — the task force produced a comprehensive report (PDF) with thoughtful, actionable recommendations, which we encourage everyone to read.

The report identifies strategies to target social conditions that enable assault and to foster a sexually safe and healthy campus, rooted in a framework that addresses individual behavior, community culture, and institutional accountability. By improving communication, education, transparency, and access to resources, we can ensure students are well-informed and supported as we work to confront sexual assault at Cornell. Among the key measures in the report are launching a public health campaign; increasing students’ knowledge and clarity of reporting options and confidential resources; developing new educational opportunities, including courses focused on sexual citizenship; prioritizing evidence‑based prevention strategies; and expanding training for students, leaders, and residential staff.

We share the task force’s aspiration to instill a culture where students are protected, empowered, and informed about sexual violence prevention. Their report builds on over a decade of prevention and education work at Cornell, providing a roadmap for fostering a sexually safe and healthy campus for all students. Addressing the persistent problem of sexual assault requires long-term institutional work and culture change, and we are committed to supporting the task force co-chairs as they form an implementation committee to put their recommendations into practice.

Our sincere gratitude goes to task force co-chairs Rachel Dunifon, the Rebecca Q. and James C. Morgan Dean of the College of Human Ecology, and Marla Love, the Robert W. and Elizabeth C. Staley Dean of Students, for their leadership, and to all committee members, faculty, staff, and students who contributed to this work. To learn more and participate in next steps, students, staff, and faculty are invited to attend a virtual town hall with Cornell leadership.

Virtual Town Hall Details

Wednesday, March 25, 4:30 p.m.
Zoom link
Webinar ID: 982 8882 8325
Passcode: 881957

Thank you for your continued commitment to the well-being of our community as we work together to improve sexual health and safety on campus.

Sincerely,

Michael I. Kotlikoff
President

Kavita Bala
Provost