Cornell University to Undergo Independent Review of Sexual Misconduct Response
Cornell University is set to have its response to sexual misconduct under scrutiny. Sally Yates, former deputy attorney general of the U.S., will lead an independent review, school officials announced Tuesday. Yates, known for her role from 2015 to 2017 under the Obama administration, will examine Cornell’s handling of sexual harassment and assault cases on campus. This comes after accusations of rape at a fraternity house in 2024.
The investigation will review how reports are managed and the support offered to students. It will also look into related disciplinary actions and the campus police’s involvement. University trustee Anne Meinig Smalling emphasized Yates’s expertise, saying, “Sally Yates brings extraordinary experience, independence, and judgment to this work.” Smalling outlined the need for the university to address both the specific case and its overall handling of sexual misconduct.
The announcement follows accusations against the Chi Phi fraternity. An anonymous tip suggested efforts to silence a witness to protect the fraternity’s reputation. Cornell police have been exploring claims of a cover-up. Reportedly, there were group messages about the incident.
Protests at the university reflect increased tensions, with some expressing dissatisfaction over the investigation’s handling. The woman involved, known as Jane Doe, claims she was sexually assaulted by fraternity brothers after being pressured to ingest alcohol and drugs. Public figures, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have commented on the issue.
Cornell officials noted that the review will also focus on the school’s response to the Chi Phi fraternity allegations. Smalling stated, “It is imperative that Cornell be willing to examine itself with the same rigor we expect of others.” The aim is not only to understand the 2024 events but to position Cornell as a leader in combating sexual violence.
In addition to Yates’s review, New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Letitia James, the state Attorney General, as a special prosecutor. The move came after “new information” emerged, leading to doubts about how the case was handled initially. Hochul cited loss of confidence in Tompkins County Attorney Matthew Van Houten due to his earlier decision based on New York’s “voluntary intoxication loophole.”
Governor Hochul spoke of the need to protect students, stating, “Every parent who sends their child off to college expects them to be safe.” President Donald Trump criticized Hochul’s decision to appoint James, labeling her as “corrupt.” However, university officials stress the urgency and thoroughness needed in the ongoing investigations and reviews.