Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff declared Saturday that the school must do better after a sexual assault scandal involving seven former fraternity brothers. He said the case is deeply disturbing and will weigh on the community for years.
Cornell Faces Explosive Rape Allegations Over Seven Former Fraternity Members
Jane Doe alleges in a 101‑page lawsuit that seven former Chi Phi fraternity brothers drugged and sexually assaulted her during an October 2024 night at the fraternity house. Doe, a 20‑year‑old undergraduate at the time, says the assault occurred after she was drugged.
The men have denied wrongdoing, with some claiming the encounter was consensual and others stating they did not participate. No criminal charges have been filed against the seven men.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said his office never received the full transcript of Doe’s November 2024 interview with Cornell University Police, prompting an initial decision not to pursue charges. He later reopened the investigation before Governor Kathy Hochul appointed the Attorney General’s office as special prosecutor.
Attorney General Letitia James announced Friday that her office is conducting an active criminal investigation into the October 2024 incident. She emphasized that the investigation will be thorough and impartial.
Kotlikoff welcomed an independent review by an outside law firm and said the university supports Governor Hochul’s decision to turn the probe over to the Attorney General. He pledged that Cornell will not wait for the review to conclude before overhauling prevention, education, mental‑health, substance‑use resources and investigative processes.
“We will act,” Kotlikoff said, emphasizing immediate changes to campus party culture, alcohol and drug policies, and student support services. He said the university will implement reforms without delay.
Addressing frustration over the university’s communication, Kotlikoff promised greater transparency, noting legal and privacy limits but vowing to explain actions taken.
Kotlikoff also said the university will reexamine the role of fraternities and sororities and support efforts to change New York’s sexual assault laws. He said the changes aim to protect students and restore trust.
Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan contributed to this report. His contributions supplement the coverage.
Brittany Miller, a Fox News Digital breaking news writer and former Independent reporter, graduated from Syracuse University in 2023. Miller brings experience from both digital and print journalism.
