Cornell president promises review after fraternity rape allegation

Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff has said the institution must improve its response to sexual assault allegations after a student accused seven men of drugging and raping her at a fraternity house. In a video statement released on Saturday, Kotlikoff described the allegations by the student, identified as Jane Doe, as deeply disturbing. He said the case had raised questions about campus alcohol and drug culture and how the university’s investigation was conducted.

Jane Doe was 20 when she said the alleged assault took place at the Chi Phi fraternity house on October 19, 2024. She said alcohol and ketamine were involved and that she reported the incident to Cornell police two weeks later. No charges were filed.

Last month, she brought a civil lawsuit against Cornell, alleging that the university failed to protect her or adequately discipline the men involved. Her lawsuit says she was intoxicated and unable to consent. Kotlikoff said Cornell was committed to investigating how the case had been handled.

He said the university needed to create a culture in which sexual assault was clearly understood as unacceptable and victims felt safe reporting incidents. He also called for a serious examination of the role of fraternities and sororities in campus life, saying membership of a group could not reduce individual responsibility for others’ safety or conduct. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she was deeply disturbed by the handling of the investigation.

She appointed Attorney General Letitia James to lead a review, and Kotlikoff said he supported the criminal investigation and an independent review by a law firm. The university’s president did not announce specific disciplinary measures in the statement. The case has instead prompted commitments to examine both the original investigation and broader campus culture.