7 hrs ago
Former Cornell Student Sues University Over Alleged Fraternity Assault
A former Cornell student says she was drugged and sexually assaulted at a fraternity house in 2024.
She is called Jane Doe in the lawsuit.
She says seven Chi Phi members assaulted her after she was pressured to take a substance described as ketamine.
The lawsuit says a message invited more men to the house.
Doe reported the incident to Cornell police about three weeks later.
She says she did not receive a follow-up call from police.
Cornell investigated the allegations and expelled two students, while others received lesser punishments.
Cornell also barred the fraternity chapter from campus and changed some policies.
The district attorney said there was not enough evidence for criminal charges, while one report said prosecutors had reopened the investigation.
A former Cornell student identified as Jane Doe alleges that seven Chi Phi members drugged and sexually assaulted her for hours in October 2024.
The lawsuit says she was pressured to snort what she was told was ketamine at the fraternity house before additional men were invited through a Snapchat message.
Doe reported the alleged assault to Cornell University Police approximately three weeks later, on November 8, 2024, and says she did not receive a follow-up call.
Cornell conducted a Title IX and student-conduct investigation, expelled two accused students, issued lesser sanctions to others, barred the fraternity’s Xi chapter from campus, and launched a sexual-assault task force.
The Tompkins County District Attorney said evidence was insufficient for criminal charges, although one report said New York prosecutors had reopened the investigation.
- Who
- A former Cornell student identified as Jane Doe alleges that seven Chi Phi fraternity members assaulted her; she is suing Cornell University, the fraternity members, and other defendants.
- What
- A civil lawsuit alleges drugging, sexual assault, negligence, breach of contract, and violations of state law.
- Where
- The alleged assault took place at the Chi Phi fraternity house at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York; the lawsuit was filed in New York County Supreme Court.
- When
- The alleged assault occurred in October 2024; Doe reported it on November 8, 2024, approximately three weeks later.
- Why
- Doe alleges Cornell and other defendants failed to protect her, respond adequately to her report, and appropriately discipline those accused.
Jane Doe and Her Attorney
Cornell and Authorities
What allegedly happened
Jane Doe and Her Attorney
The lawsuit alleges Doe was pressured to take drugs, assaulted without consent, and raped for hours by seven fraternity members after a Snapchat message invited additional men to the house.
Cornell and Authorities
The allegations remain disputed in court, and the district attorney said the police investigation did not provide sufficient evidence for criminal charges.
Cornell’s response
Jane Doe and Her Attorney
Doe alleges Cornell failed to protect her, adequately respond to her report, and properly discipline the students; her attorney criticized the sanctions as insufficient.
Cornell and Authorities
Cornell said its civil-rights and student-conduct offices investigated and adjudicated the allegations under university policies, barred the fraternity chapter from campus, and made policy changes.
Criminal and civil proceedings
Jane Doe and Her Attorney
Doe is pursuing a civil lawsuit seeking compensatory and punitive damages against Cornell, fraternity members, and other defendants.
Cornell and Authorities
The district attorney said there was insufficient evidence for criminal charges, while Cornell and Chi Phi’s national headquarters said they would respect the legal process.
Key facts
- Plaintiff
- A former Cornell student identified in court documents as Jane Doe
- Alleged incident
- An hours-long assault allegedly involving seven Chi Phi members in October 2024
- Reported date
- November 8, 2024, approximately three weeks after the alleged assault
- University investigation
- An internal Title IX and student-conduct investigation reportedly included at least 12 hearings
- University action
- Cornell reportedly expelled two accused students, imposed lesser sanctions on others, barred Chi Phi’s Xi chapter from campus, and launched a sexual-assault task force
- Criminal investigation
- The Tompkins County District Attorney said a review found insufficient evidence to support criminal charges; another report said prosecutors had reopened the investigation
- Civil claims
- The lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages
Quotes
Cornell University
University responding to the lawsuit and disciplinary allegations
“The arrogance and cruelty of these men was demonstrated in the fraternity group message which went to every single member of the fraternity inviting them to rape Ms. Doe. It is truly disheartening that nobody tried to help her and instead laughing comments were made. The lack of humanity displayed was surprising for a group of men who are supposed to be the best and brightest.”
wionews.com
“Federal privacy law prohibits Cornell from disclosing specific information regarding individual students, and we therefore are unable to make a public statement on any other disciplinary response. Violations of university policies could lead to sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion. We will respond in detail through the legal process.”
NDTV
Chi Phi national headquarters
National headquarters of the Chi Phi fraternity
“The sexual assault allegations involving parties at Cornell University are deeply concerning. Anyone who reports sexual violence deserves to be heard and treated with compassion, dignity, and respect.”
NDTV
Sources
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