The attorney for the woman who alleges she was gang raped by fellow Cornell University students in 2024 has confirmed that his client told police she was sexually assaulted. Thomas Giuffra, the attorney, stated that his client told investigators, "I can say with 100% confidence I was raped." This contradicts statements from the local prosecutor, who claimed that the alleged victim never stated she was raped.
According to Giuffra, his client's statement to police was clear and detailed, with transcripts showing she repeatedly described being assaulted. However, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten claimed that the 2024 statement taken by Cornell University police did not allege that the woman was drugged against her will or gang raped. Van Houten stated that the alleged victim's statement described her participation in drug use and sexual conduct as voluntary, conscious, and consensual.
The discrepancies have raised concerns about the handling of the case, with Van Houten announcing that his office is reexamining the case. He also stated that he is seeking a transcript of the interview between the Cornell University Police Department investigator and the alleged victim, which is part of the confidential Title IX investigation launched by Cornell. The university has not specified how many students faced punishments or of what nature, citing federal privacy law.
Cornell University has faced backlash over its handling of the case, with students expressing outrage and disappointment toward school officials. The Cornell University Student Assembly has scheduled a public hearing to demand institutional accountability from the school. The university has maintained that Cornell University Police investigated the case thoroughly and that the school held its own Title IX investigation, which resulted in suspensions and expulsions.
In response to the criticism, Cornell University has announced that it will bring in an outside counsel to conduct an independent probe into the handling of the case. This move comes after New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called for the school to open an outside investigation. Hochul also stated that she is considering new legislation to tighten sexual assault laws across the state.
The university has made changes to its FAQ page on the rape allegations, quietly removing a sentence stating that Cornell police shared all investigatory information with the Tompkins County District Attorney's Office. The new statement reads that the Cornell University Police Department is a unit of the university, and its officers are sworn Tompkins County deputy sheriffs whose duties include the enforcement of law and order on Cornell property.
The alleged victim, known as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit against the seven men who she alleges assaulted her, as well as Cornell University, in mid-September. The university has not responded to requests for comment on the changes to its FAQ page or the handling of the case. The independent probe into the handling of the case is expected to begin soon, with university officials promising to cooperate fully.
Key points
- Cornell University is facing scrutiny over its handling of an alleged gang rape case, with discrepancies emerging between the university's account and that of the alleged victim's attorney.
- The university has announced that it will bring in an outside counsel to conduct an independent probe into the handling of the case.
- The alleged victim, known as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit against the seven men who she alleges assaulted her, as well as Cornell University, in mid-September.
