Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Cornell President Calls for Rigorous Review of Rape Allegations
A former Cornell student says she was drugged and sexually assaulted at a fraternity in 2024.
She has sued Cornell and seven men, but the men deny the allegations.
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff said the allegations are deeply disturbing and that the university must improve.
He welcomed an independent review of how Cornell handled the matter.
He also said the school would take steps before the review is finished.
Cornell plans to examine the role of fraternities and sororities and seek input from its community.
New York has reopened the criminal investigation, with Attorney General Letitia James leading it.
The articles do not report a final finding about what happened.
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff said the university must do better after allegations about an alleged 2024 assault and questions about its handling.
A former student identified as Jane Doe alleges she was drugged and raped by seven Chi Phi fraternity members in October 2024.
The accused men deny wrongdoing, and no criminal charges had been filed, according to the article.
Kotlikoff welcomed an independent outside-law-firm review and said Cornell would act before that review or the criminal investigation concludes.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James to lead the reopened criminal investigation.
- Who
- A former Cornell student identified as Jane Doe; Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff; seven accused fraternity members.
- What
- The student alleges she was drugged and raped, and Cornell is facing scrutiny over its handling of the allegations.
- When
- The alleged incident occurred in October 2024; the criminal investigation was reopened Monday, according to the article.
- Where
- The allegations concern the Chi Phi fraternity chapter at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
- Why
- The allegations and criticism of Cornell's handling prompted an independent review and the reopening of the criminal investigation.
Plaintiff's allegations
Accused men's response
What happened at the fraternity
Plaintiff's allegations
Jane Doe's lawsuit alleges she was drugged with ketamine and raped by seven Chi Phi members in October 2024.
Accused men's response
The accused men deny all wrongdoing.
Cornell's handling
Plaintiff's allegations
The lawsuit alleges Cornell failed to adequately punish some of the accused students; the case has drawn criticism of the university's handling.
Accused men's response
Cornell's president says the allegations must be investigated rigorously and fairly, welcomes an independent review, and says the university will act.
- Alleged incident
- October 2024
- Plaintiff
- A former student identified as Jane Doe
- Location named in lawsuit
- Cornell's Chi Phi fraternity chapter
- Number of men named in lawsuit
- Seven
- University president
- Michael Kotlikoff
- Independent review
- An outside law firm will review Cornell's handling of the matter
- Reopened investigation
- New York Attorney General Letitia James was appointed to lead it
