Cornell University Selects Sally Yates for Sexual Assault Investigation
Cornell University has appointed Sally Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General under the Obama administration, to conduct an independent review of the university’s handling of sexual assault allegations. Yates, dismissed by former President Trump during his first term, will lead the investigation as Cornell faces criticism over its response to an alleged gang rape at a fraternity house in October 2024.
Yates and her law firm, King & Spalding, will access Cornell’s internal files, including case documents, oversight records of Greek organizations, and communications with law enforcement and disciplinary hearings. Yates brings extensive experience from her time at the Department of Justice and her well-known dispute with Trump, as well as her involvement in the Russia investigation.
Yates’ Career and Trump Confrontation
President Obama nominated Yates as Deputy Attorney General in January 2015. The Senate confirmed her in May by a vote of 84-12. Before this, Obama appointed her as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia in 2010.
During Trump’s transition to office, Yates was asked to remain as acting Attorney General while Jeff Sessions awaited Senate confirmation. However, her tenure lasted only 10 days. Trump fired Yates on January 30, 2017, after she directed Justice Department lawyers not to defend his executive order restricting travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries.
Sally Yates betrayed the Department of Justice by refusing to enforce a legal order designed to protect U.S. citizens, announced the White House.
Yates argued that the directive was not lawful and stated that her role was to ensure the Justice Department’s position is legally defensible and informed by the best interpretation of the law.
In May 2017, Yates returned to the national spotlight by testifying to a Senate Judiciary subcommittee investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Her testimony included warnings she had given White House Counsel Don McGahn about then-National Security Advisor Michael Flynn.
Sexual Assault Allegations at Cornell
The recent appointment of Yates follows scrutiny over Cornell’s handling of sexual assault allegations involving members of the Chi Phi fraternity. A prominent adversary of Trump, New York Attorney General Letitia James, has also been appointed to manage a separate state investigation into the same case.
Cornell previously investigated the incident, leading to suspensions and expulsions for several students. A lawsuit filed by the alleged victim has brought renewed attention to the case, questioning the university’s response.
The investigations led by Yates and James will have distinct focuses. James will examine the specifics of the case, while Yates will review Cornell’s broader policies and response procedures regarding sexual assault and dating violence allegations.
“As part of that broader mandate, Yates and her team will conduct a detailed review of the university’s response to the allegations involving Jane Doe and members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024, including whether Cornell followed its policies and procedures,” stated Cornell University.