Cornell commits to scrutiny after fraternity assault allegations
President Michael Kotlikoff says Cornell will examine its handling of a case involving allegations against Chi Phi fraternity members, while a criminal investigation led by New York Attorney General Letitia James is under way.
Cornell University president Michael Kotlikoff says the university “must do better” after a student alleged she was drugged and assaulted by several men at the Chi Phi fraternity house. In a video statement released on Saturday evening, he described the allegations as “deeply disturbing”.
The woman, identified in a civil lawsuit as Jane Doe, alleges that seven fraternity members assaulted her for hours on 19 October 2024, in an incident involving alcohol and ketamine. She says she reported it to Cornell University police about two weeks later. The supplied account says no charges were laid.
In a lawsuit filed last month, Jane Doe alleges Cornell failed to protect her or adequately punish those involved. These are allegations, not findings established in the supplied material.
Kotlikoff said Cornell was committed to investigating how the case was handled. He also called for a serious examination of the role of fraternities and sororities in campus life, and said the university should help ensure victims feel safe reporting sexual assault.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has criticised the handling of the investigation and appointed Attorney General Letitia James to lead a criminal investigation. Kotlikoff said he supported James’s appointment and welcomed an independent law-firm review of Cornell’s handling. No findings from either review are provided.
