Understand
Cornell bans all fraternity parties following sexual assault lawsuit
Overview
Cornell University has banned all parties at fraternity houses for the remainder of the academic year following severe backlash over its handling of a 2024 sexual assault allegation. A civil lawsuit filed last month by a woman known as Jane Doe alleges she was drugged and raped by multiple men at a fraternity party. University President Michael Kotlikoff announced new measures, including suspension for policy violators, increased survivor support, and allowing New York State Police trauma-informed officers to investigate campus sexual assault allegations. The case has also prompted scrutiny of local prosecutors and an investigation by the New York State Attorney General appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul.
Key points
- Cornell University banned all fraternity parties for the rest of the university year following backlash over a 2024 sexual assault case.
- A civil lawsuit filed last month by Jane Doe alleges she was drugged and raped by several men at a Cornell fraternity house.
- University President Michael Kotlikoff apologised for the harm suffered and announced that anyone violating the new party ban will be suspended.
- Cornell will now allow New York State Police trauma-informed officers to investigate campus sexual assault allegations.
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed State Attorney General Letitia James to investigate the handling of the case after local prosecutors faced criticism.
- The university also plans to improve support for survivors, hire more staff to help report misconduct, and bring in national sexual violence prevention experts.