Cornell University has decided to suspend all fraternity events for the remainder of the academic year amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding allegations of a gang rape incident from 2024.
In a letter to the campus community, President Michael Kotlikoff announced that fraternity houses would not be allowed to host any social gatherings until fall 2027. This decision follows protests stemming from a lawsuit claiming that seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity drugged and gang-raped a female student in October 2024.
“All parties and social events in Interfraternity Council (IFC) houses at Cornell will be suspended for the remainder of the 2026-2027 academic year. These measures will provide time for a thorough review of fraternity life at Cornell to determine whether and how it can safely continue,” Kotlikoff wrote. He emphasized the seriousness of the directive, stating that any fraternity that defies this ban will face immediate emergency suspension.
Kotlikoff also mentioned that the university’s administration would collaborate with community members to find other social engagement options on campus. (RELATED: US Marine Mistakenly Named in Cornell Rape Case, Now Family Facing Threats)
The president characterized the alleged behavior of the seven Chi Phi brothers as sexual violence, although this case is still under investigation.
“I am deeply sorry for the harm Jane Doe suffered in 2024 and appalled that this act of sexual violence occurred within our Cornell community,” Kotlikoff stated. “It is clear that women on our campus continue to question whether they are safe.”
While an external review led by former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates is ongoing, the New York State Police will manage on-campus sexual assault allegations, as outlined in the letter.
Cornell did not respond immediately to requests for additional comments.
A lawsuit filed by a former student, identified as Jane Doe, on September 16, claims that members of the fraternity administered ketamine to her and raped her in October 2024, according to legal documents.
Following this, Attorney General Letitia James was appointed as a special prosecutor on October 1 at the request of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
According to Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten, Jane Doe stated that her involvement in drug use and sexual activity was voluntary, conscious, and consensual, in a press release announcing the reopening of the 2024 investigation.
