Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Pressure Mounts on Cornell Over Handling of Alleged Rape
Cornell University is facing criticism about how it handled a report of sexual assault.
A woman’s lawsuit says she was drugged and assaulted by members of a fraternity in 2024.
The men have denied wrongdoing, and some said the sexual activity was consensual.
A prosecutor decided not to bring criminal charges.
Cornell closed the fraternity chapter and punished members, but the lawsuit says some could try to reduce their penalties by writing essays.
Students have protested, and faculty members are considering a no-confidence vote.
Some alumni have also criticized university leaders.
Cornell has hired an outside expert to review how it handles sexual assault reports.
Cornell is facing protests, alumni criticism and a faculty no-confidence resolution over its handling of an alleged 2024 gang rape.
The lawsuit alleges a woman identified as Jane Doe was drugged and sexually assaulted by several Chi Phi fraternity members in October 2024.
The alleged victim reported the assault weeks later; a prosecutor declined to bring criminal charges, while university and law-enforcement investigations followed.
Cornell closed the Chi Phi chapter and disciplined members, but the lawsuit criticized the university for allowing some to seek reduced penalties by writing essays.
Cornell hired a former U.S. Justice Department lawyer to conduct an independent review; protesters also want leadership changes and broader policy reforms.
- Who
- Cornell University, President Michael Kotlikoff, students, faculty, alumni, and a woman identified in a lawsuit as Jane Doe.
- What
- The university faces criticism and demands for changes over its handling of an alleged 2024 assault involving Chi Phi fraternity members.
- When
- The alleged assault occurred in October 2024; pressure on the administration intensified in the week before October 7, with a faculty resolution due for debate October 14.
- Where
- Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
- Why
- Protesters, faculty and alumni criticize the university’s response to the allegation and seek accountability, independent review and changes to campus policies.
Critics and protesters
Cornell and accused members
University handling
Critics and protesters
Protesters and critics say Cornell mishandled the allegation and have called for leadership accountability, an external inquiry and policy reforms.
Cornell and accused members
Cornell has defended its response and says it has hired an independent reviewer to examine how it prevents and responds to sexual assault claims.
Alleged assault
Critics and protesters
The lawsuit alleges Jane Doe was drugged and sexually assaulted by several Chi Phi members.
Cornell and accused members
The men denied wrongdoing; some said the sexual activity was consensual, while others disputed participating, according to reporting cited in the article.
- Alleged assault
- The lawsuit says it occurred in October 2024.
- Person bringing lawsuit
- Identified as Jane Doe.
- Fraternity
- Chi Phi; Cornell shut down its campus chapter.
- Criminal charges
- The local prosecutor declined to bring charges.
- University response
- Cornell imposed discipline on fraternity members, including expulsions and other sanctions.
- Independent review
- Cornell hired a former U.S. Justice Department lawyer to review its prevention and response to sexual assault claims.
- Faculty action
- A no-confidence resolution is scheduled for debate at the Faculty Senate's October 14 meeting.