Cornell to commission independent review of handling of rape allegation

Cornell University will commission an independent review of its handling of a student’s 2024 rape allegation, president Michael Kotlikoff said in a video message released on Saturday. The review, due to be announced by the university’s Board of Trustees next week, will be conducted by an outside law firm and examine all aspects of Cornell’s response, Kotlikoff said. Lawyers for a student identified as Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit last month against Cornell, university leaders, the Chi Phi fraternity, her sorority and seven men.

The lawsuit alleges that she was given drugs and alcohol and assaulted. The men have largely not commented. Lawyers for at least three have denied criminal wrongdoing.

Kotlikoff said he was “deeply disturbed” by the allegation and that “my heart aches” when he considers what the student experienced. He acknowledged that Cornell could “do better” and said the university would make a greater effort to explain its actions. The president cited legal and privacy restrictions on what the university could disclose, but said those limits should not prevent it from providing more context.

He also acknowledged questions about the investigation and distrust within the university community. “We will not wait for the investigation or the review to be completed before we act,” Kotlikoff said. Cornell plans to examine fraternities and sororities, including accountability, transparency and members’ responsibility to intervene when someone is at risk.

He did not announce specific new restrictions on Greek life. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has criticised the university police and district attorney’s handling of the case and appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor. James’s office can prosecute offences and present evidence to a grand jury if warranted.

Kotlikoff said he supported that process and pledged Cornell’s full support for legislative changes to state sexual-assault laws.