Cornell University has slapped a year‑long ban on all fraternity parties, tightening the pressure on Greek life as a fresh sexual assault investigation erupts.
President Michael Kotlikoff announced that every party and social event in Interfraternity Council houses will be suspended for the remainder of the 2026‑2027 academic year, giving the school time to conduct a thorough review of fraternity culture.
Fraternities that host in‑house gatherings face an immediate emergency suspension, and the ban covers more than 20 active IFC chapters.
The policy raises questions about whether off‑campus events are also prohibited, a point the university has yet to clarify.
Reopened Investigation
A lawsuit filed on Sept. 16 by a Cornell student identified only as Jane Doe alleges she was drugged and assaulted at a Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024.
Doe’s complaint names the university, Chi Phi, and several individuals, claiming negligence and sexual assault; the school has said it expelled some students, suspended others and expelled Chi Phi from campus, though no criminal charges have been filed.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten reopened the criminal investigation after the suit was filed, stating that Doe initially described the conduct as consensual before new evidence prompted a re‑examination.
New York Attorney General Letitia James has been appointed special prosecutor, removing Van Houten from the case, while Governor Kathy Hochul said the original police report omitted key details about the alleged rape.
Cornell hired former Deputy U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates to lead an independent review of the university’s response, and it will add staff to the Office of Civil Rights, including a dedicated case manager for survivors.
The school also will allow New York State Police investigators to probe assault allegations independently of campus authorities.
President Kotlikoff said the reforms are “first steps toward systemic change,” emphasizing that safety must never be an open question on campus.
A faculty senate vote on a no‑confidence motion targeting the administration’s handling of sexual assault is scheduled for the upcoming meeting.
