Cornell University Responds to Allegations of Sexual Assault

In recent weeks, Cornell University has been under scrutiny following a civil lawsuit alleging a gang rape at a fraternity house in 2024. The incident has prompted a response from the university’s president, Michael I. Kotlikoff, who emphasized the need for better practices and accountability within the institution.

In a video statement released on Saturday, Kotlikoff addressed questions regarding the university’s response to the allegations made by a former student, referred to as Jane Doe. She reported the incident to the Cornell University Police and school officials a few weeks after it occurred.

Kotlikoff stated, “I want to acknowledge something that can be difficult for an institution to say. We don’t have all the answers, but we are committed to investigating and finding the answers our community deserves. We must do everything we can to prevent what happened to Jane Doe and everyone before her and anyone after her from ever happening again.”

In her lawsuit filed in September, Jane Doe, who was 20 years old at the time of the alleged assault, claims she was drugged and raped by multiple men at the Chi Phi fraternity house. Attorneys representing some of the accused men have denied the allegations.

According to the lawsuit, Doe initially consented to sexual activity with two men she knew while under the influence of alcohol. She later alleges she was drugged and raped by others and unable to give consent. The Tompkins County district attorney declined to file charges, citing incomplete transcripts from Doe’s interview with Cornell Police.

Kotlikoff acknowledged the deep impact of the incident on the Cornell community, describing it as one of the most trying times in the university’s history. “What happened to Jane Doe in 2024 is deeply disturbing and will weigh heavily on our community for years to come,” he said.

Recognizing the wider issues of sexual assault, party culture, and substance use on campus, Kotlikoff called for a cultural shift that prioritizes informed consent, body autonomy, and prevention. “As a community, we must foster a culture in which sexual assault is inexcusable and ensure our community is empowered and understands informed consent, body autonomy and prevention. We all have a role to play in keeping each other safe,” he added.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor for the case. The governor criticized the handling of the investigations, and Kotlikoff expressed support for the appointment. An independent review by an outside law firm into Cornell’s handling of the case will also be conducted soon.

Kotlikoff concluded by promising transparency and immediate actions to strengthen sexual assault prevention and education. The university will also examine the role of sororities and fraternities in campus culture. “We will also lend our full support to legislative efforts to change New York’s sexual assault laws. You have my commitment that this will not be a moment that passes,” he pledged.