Cornell University President Michael I. Kotlikoff has released a statement addressing a civil lawsuit filed against the university, alleging a gang rape at a fraternity house in 2024. In an eight-minute video statement, Kotlikoff acknowledged questions over the university's handling of the female student's sexual assault allegations. He expressed commitment to investigating and finding answers, stating that the institution "must do better" in handling such cases. The lawsuit was filed by a former Cornell student, identified as Jane Doe, who alleges she was drugged and repeatedly raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024.
According to the lawsuit, Jane Doe reported her claims to Cornell University police and university Title IX investigators shortly after the alleged incident. She also reported the sexual assault to the campus health clinic. The lawsuit alleges that Jane Doe initially consented to sexual contact with two men she knew at the fraternity house while intoxicated, but was then drugged and raped by multiple men. The Tompkins County district attorney declined to file charges, citing a lack of full transcripts from Jane Doe's interview with Cornell Police.
Kotlikoff called the allegations "deeply disturbing" and acknowledged that the incident raises "heartbreaking and troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanization and aspects of party culture, alcohol and drug use." He emphasized the need for the university to foster a culture in which sexual assault is inexcusable and ensure that the community is empowered and understands informed consent, body autonomy, and prevention. Kotlikoff also acknowledged that the university has a role to play in keeping students safe.
In response to the allegations, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul appointed New York State Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor in the case. Kotlikoff welcomed the governor's decision and announced that the university's board of trustees will soon announce plans for an independent review by an outside law firm into "all aspects of Cornell's handling" of the case. The review aims to identify areas for improvement in the university's handling of sexual assault cases.
Kotlikoff also announced that the university will take immediate actions to be more transparent, strengthen sexual assault prevention and education efforts, and substance use resources. He stated that the university will take a serious look at the role of sororities and fraternities in campus life. The university's goal is to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future and to ensure that students feel safe and supported on campus.
The lawsuit filed against Cornell University and seven former students alleges that the defendants failed to provide a safe environment for students and failed to properly investigate and respond to the alleged incident. Attorneys for some of the men have denied the accusations. The case has sparked widespread concern and outrage, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency from the university.
Kotlikoff concluded his statement by emphasizing the university's commitment to change and improvement. He stated that the university will lend its full support to legislative efforts to change New York's sexual assault laws and will work to ensure that students feel safe and supported on campus. The university's response to the allegations aims to address the concerns of students and the wider community.
Key points
- Cornell University President Michael I. Kotlikoff has released a statement addressing a civil lawsuit filed against the university, alleging a gang rape at a fraternity house in 2024.
- The lawsuit alleges that Jane Doe was drugged and repeatedly raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024, and that the university failed to properly investigate and respond to the alleged incident.
- Kotlikoff has announced plans for an independent review of the university's handling of the case and has vowed to take immediate actions to strengthen sexual assault prevention and education efforts.
