Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Josh Gad Condemns Cornell Handling of Sexual Assault Case
A former Cornell student says she was drugged and sexually assaulted at a fraternity house in October 2024.
She has sued Cornell University and seven Chi Phi fraternity members.
Her lawyer says Cornell expelled two students and gave other students less serious punishments, including essays.
Actor Josh Gad said those consequences were not strong enough.
He said sexual assault should not be treated like a small mistake.
Cornell says it investigated the allegations according to university rules.
The university says sexual violence goes against its principles.
Cornell also says privacy laws prevent it from sharing details about individual students.
The allegations have not yet been proven in court.
Actor Josh Gad criticised Cornell University’s disciplinary response to alleged sexual assaults involving seven Chi Phi fraternity members.
A former student identified as Jane Doe alleges she was drugged and sexually assaulted at a fraternity house in Ithaca on October 19, 2024.
Jane Doe sued Cornell University and the seven fraternity members in New York Supreme Court on September 16.
Her attorney said two alleged attackers were expelled, while others received lesser measures, including writing essays; he said none were arrested.
Cornell said it investigated the allegations under its policies, condemned sexual violence, and could not disclose individual disciplinary details because of federal privacy law.
- Who
- A former Cornell student identified as Jane Doe, seven Chi Phi fraternity members, Cornell University, and actor Josh Gad are central to the matter.
- What
- Jane Doe alleges she was drugged and sexually assaulted, and she sued Cornell University and the seven fraternity members; Gad criticised Cornell’s disciplinary response.
- When
- The alleged incident occurred on October 19, 2024; the lawsuit was filed September 16, and Cornell issued a statement on September 21.
- Where
- The alleged assaults took place at a Chi Phi fraternity house in Ithaca, New York, and the lawsuit was filed in New York Supreme Court.
- Why
- The lawsuit and criticism concern the alleged assaults and the disciplinary actions taken by Cornell.
Plaintiff and Critics
Cornell and Chi Phi
Adequacy of discipline
Plaintiff and Critics
Jane Doe’s attorney and Josh Gad criticised the reported consequences as insufficient, particularly the use of essays and the reported expulsion of only two alleged attackers.
Cornell and Chi Phi
Cornell said policy violations can result in sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion, but said federal privacy law prevents it from discussing individual disciplinary responses.
Handling of the allegations
Plaintiff and Critics
The plaintiff’s lawsuit challenges the university’s response to allegations that she was drugged and sexually assaulted by fraternity members.
Cornell and Chi Phi
Cornell said its Office of Civil Rights and Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards investigated and adjudicated the allegations according to university policies; Chi Phi’s national headquarters condemned sexual violence but declined to discuss the case because of pending litigation.
- Alleged incident
- October 19, 2024, at a fraternity house in Ithaca
- Lawsuit filed
- September 16 in New York Supreme Court
- Defendants
- Cornell University and seven Chi Phi fraternity members
- Reported disciplinary outcome
- The plaintiff’s attorney said two alleged attackers were expelled and others received lesser measures, including essays
- Cornell’s position
- The university said it investigated the allegations under its policies and condemned sexual violence
- Privacy explanation
- Cornell said federal privacy law prevents it from disclosing specific information about individual students
- Campus status
- The Xi chapter of Chi Phi remained barred from campus