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New York prosecutors reopen investigation into alleged 2024 sexual assault at Cornell University fraternity house
Overview
New York state prosecutors have reopened a criminal inquiry into the alleged drugging and rape of a female student at Cornell University in October 2024. The victim, referred to as Jane Doe, filed a civil lawsuit against the Ivy League university and the Chi Phi fraternity on 16 September, alleging she was assaulted by seven fraternity members and that the university failed to protect her or adequately punish the perpetrators. While the university defended its disciplinary process—noting panels, suspensions, and expulsions—and agreed to an independent investigation, the district attorney noted that the victim's initial 2024 police statement described voluntary participation, prompting prosecutors to re-examine the evidence.
Key points
- New York prosecutors reopened an investigation into an alleged sexual assault at a Cornell University fraternity house in October 2024.
- Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit on 16 September alleging she was drugged with ketamine and gang-raped by seven members of Cornell's Chi Phi fraternity.
- The lawsuit claims Cornell failed to protect her, adequately investigate, or sufficiently punish the men involved.
- Cornell defended its handling of the case, stating it referred the matter to a faculty panel resulting in expulsions and suspensions, and agreed to an independent outside investigation.
- The Tompkins County District Attorney stated that the victim's sworn 2024 police statement initially described her conduct as voluntary, but prosecutors are reviewing new evidence and transcripts.
- The Chi Phi national organisation and its chapter permanently expelled the accused members shortly after the initial police report in 2024.