Cornell president promises transparency over alleged fraternity rape case

Cornell University president Michael Kotlikoff has promised greater transparency over the institution’s handling of an alleged 2024 gang rape at a fraternity house, as scrutiny of the case intensifies. In a video message to the university community, Kotlikoff described the allegations as deeply disturbing and said the case raised serious issues involving sexual assault, dehumanisation, alcohol and drug use, and fraternity party culture. The woman, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, alleges that she was sexually assaulted by multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity.

She has sued Cornell and seven former students. The allegations have not been established in court. The university’s response has drawn criticism after New York Governor Kathy Hochul said newly released information had undermined her confidence in the local prosecutor, who initially declined to bring charges.

Hochul appointed state Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to lead the criminal investigation. James has described the matter as an active criminal investigation. Hochul said she would not allow the case to be swept aside and has also pledged to seek changes to New York’s voluntary-intoxication law.

The provision can make sexual-assault prosecutions difficult when a victim voluntarily consumed alcohol or drugs but later became too intoxicated to consent. At a student assembly hearing, several speakers called for Kotlikoff to resign. He reaffirmed his support for an independent review of Cornell’s handling of the case and said the university’s Board of Trustees would announce details the following week.

Kotlikoff also called for a serious examination of fraternities and sororities in campus life. He said the events would weigh on Cornell for years and expressed sympathy for the woman involved.