Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff has welcomed an independent outside review after a graphic civil lawsuit alleged a 2024 gang rape by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity. Governor Kathy Hochul asked Attorney General Letitia James to lead a reopened criminal investigation amid criticism of the university's initial handling. Cornell says it will take immediate actions while the review and investigations continue, and thousands online have rallied in support of the complainant using #IAmJaneDoe. A 2020 AAU study found one in four female undergraduates reported forced sexual contact.
Cornell Welcomes Independent Review After Lawsuit Alleges 2024 Chi Phi Gang Rape
The Chi Pi fraternity house on the campus at Cornell University, where seven members are alleged to have committed gang rape against a female student in 2024 (Matt Burkhartt)
Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff on Saturday announced his support for an independent outside review after a graphic civil lawsuit alleged a 2024 gang rape involving members of the Chi Phi fraternity. The complaint, filed last month, alleges the plaintiff was drugged with ketamine and assaulted by seven students; the allegations have prompted intense public scrutiny of the university and questions about local prosecutors' initial decision not to pursue criminal charges.
“In conjunction with our board of trustees, I welcome the independent review by an outside law firm into all aspects of Cornell's handling of the 2024 matter,”
Kotlikoff said the university supports the decision to reopen the criminal investigation and pledged the school would take immediate steps to address campus safety and sexual misconduct policies. He added the institution would not wait for the review or investigation to conclude before acting.
The criminal probe was reopened after New York Governor Kathy Hochul asked Attorney General Letitia James to lead the inquiry. Hochul publicly criticized how the original complaint was handled, saying the complainant was clear in her description of events when first interviewed.
Thousands of people rallied on social media using the hashtag #IAmJaneDoe after a commentator threatened to identify the complainant; many users posted messages of solidarity or claimed to be the alleged victim to make identification more difficult. In response to the allegations, Cornell temporarily suspended the students accused, closed the Chi Phi chapter on campus, and later expelled several members.
Local authorities said they declined to prosecute in 2024 because, based on the complainant's initial testimony at the time, prosecutors concluded it did not establish a lack of consent. The civil lawsuit and the reopened criminal probe are ongoing. A 2020 study by the Association of American Universities found that about one in four female undergraduates across 33 institutions reported forced sexual contact or sexual contact for which they could not consent, underscoring broader concerns about campus sexual violence in the United States.
Note: Allegations in the civil suit remain unproven in court. Investigations and reviews are ongoing, and individuals named in reporting are entitled to due process.
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