Cornell University president Michael Kotlikoff has announced that the institution will support an independent review by an outside law firm into how the university handled an alleged gang rape that occurred in 2024. The allegations stem from a civil lawsuit filed recently, in which a student, identified as Jane Doe, claims she was drugged with ketamine and subsequently assaulted and raped by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity.
The episode has been described as one of the most difficult weeks in the university's history, with many members of the campus community expressing anger, sadness, and struggle. In a video posted on Cornell's website, Kotlikoff acknowledged the challenges faced by the community and emphasized the university's commitment to addressing the issue. The university's response comes amid public outcry and criticism of the original handling of the complaint.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul responded to the public outcry by appointing the state's top prosecutor, Attorney General Letitia James, to lead a reopened criminal investigation into the case. Governor Hochul criticized the original handling of the complaint, emphasizing that the complainant had provided a clear and confident account of the assault to police. The reopened investigation aims to re-examine the evidence and ensure that justice is served.
Kotlikoff affirmed Cornell's support for the reopened criminal probe and emphasized that the university will not wait for the investigation or the external review to conclude before taking additional steps to improve campus safety. He stressed that the university is committed to taking concrete actions to address sexual violence on campus. The university's efforts aim to create a safer and more supportive environment for its students.
The alleged gang rape is said to have occurred in 2024 and involved seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity. The civil lawsuit filed by Jane Doe claims that she was drugged with ketamine and subsequently assaulted and raped by the fraternity members. The incident has raised concerns about campus safety and the handling of sexual assault cases.
Cornell University's decision to support an independent review and reopened investigation reflects its commitment to addressing the issue of sexual violence on campus. Kotlikoff pledged that Cornell will continue "taking every step necessary" to become a leader in addressing sexual violence. The university's efforts aim to create a culture of respect, empathy, and support for its students.
The independent review and reopened investigation are expected to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the incident and the university's response. The review will examine how the university handled the alleged gang rape and identify areas for improvement. The findings are expected to inform the university's future actions and policies aimed at preventing and responding to sexual violence on campus.
Key points
- Cornell University president Michael Kotlikoff supports an independent review into the handling of a 2024 alleged gang rape involving Chi Phi fraternity members.
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James to lead a reopened criminal investigation into the case.
- Cornell University is committed to taking concrete actions to address sexual violence on campus and improve campus safety.
