Cornell University has suspended all parties and social events at Interfraternity Council houses for the rest of the academic year as investigations continue into a 2024 sexual assault allegation. The ban will remain in effect until the university completes its review of fraternity life.
The restriction applies to all IFC houses and any fraternity that violates the ban faces immediate suspension. University officials say the measure buys time for a thorough review of campus fraternity culture.
President Michael Kotlikoff said ongoing conversations and protests revealed a community demanding lasting change. He emphasized that the status quo is no longer acceptable.
He pledged to listen to students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni and trustees, and said their anger and frustration over the assault demand immediate, meaningful reform. Kotlikoff warned that the time for half‑measures has ended.
Kotlikoff also announced that the university will cooperate with New York State Police investigators on the campus allegations. The partnership aims to ensure a rigorous, independent inquiry.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten reopened the criminal investigation after Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit in September. The filing renewed scrutiny on the fraternity’s conduct.
Doe alleges she was too intoxicated to consent at the Chi Phi fraternity house, was drugged with ketamine, and repeatedly assaulted. She says members pressured her to take the drug and supplied additional drinks.
Her lawsuit claims Cornell failed to protect her and mishandled the report. All seven accused men deny the allegations, and one alleges he was sexually assaulted by Doe.
Two of the seven have been expelled, while the others received lesser disciplinary actions. The university has not disclosed the specifics of those punishments.
A defense attorney for one of the accused men asked a judge to restrict public statements, arguing they could bias potential jurors. The request seeks to limit commentary that might influence the upcoming trial.
Jane Doe’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, called the request an attempt to silence her. He said the move undermines her right to speak publicly about the case.
The Daily Wire reported that Doe sent a text to one of the accused, stating she felt no shame about the encounter. The message read, “I don’t think we should feel any shame for the part. Our body our choice asf.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James has taken over the criminal investigation as a special prosecutor, per Governor Kathy Hochul’s directive. The appointment signals a state‑level commitment to pursue justice in the case.
