Cornell records detail accuser’s account in alleged fraternity assault case

Records from Cornell University’s disciplinary investigation have provided further detail about a woman’s allegation that she was drugged and sexually assaulted at a fraternity house. The woman, identified in court papers as Jane Doe, told university investigators that she felt like “bait” while several men surrounded her. She said ketamine, marijuana and alcohol left her partly incapacitated and unable to give meaningful consent.

The records were reviewed by The Associated Press and include excerpts from interviews with the woman and men she accused. They are heavily redacted and contain conflicting accounts of what occurred at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. Jane Doe has sued Cornell and seven former students, alleging that she was given ketamine and repeatedly assaulted.

She reported the incident to campus police three weeks later. The local district attorney initially decided not to file criminal charges. Cornell’s Title IX investigation continued.

The supplied records describe 50 interviews with 32 witnesses and 12 days of hearings. The investigation found that the woman initially consented to sexual activity with one fraternity member and another man, but she later said she had been pressured to take drugs and was too intoxicated to consent. The documents also refer to a Snapchat message that appeared to advertise the woman’s body to other men.

Some accused students denied taking part in an assault or disputed the woman’s account. Cornell imposed disciplinary measures, including expulsions, although the university has not publicly detailed all findings. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor after saying she had lost confidence in the local handling of the case.

James said her office would gather evidence and conduct interviews. Cornell said it supports the appointment and is committed to an independent external review of its handling of the matter. The civil lawsuits remain separate from any criminal investigation.