Cornell University President Calls for Improvement Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff expressed the need for the institution to “do better” in light of serious questions surrounding its handling of sexual assault allegations involving seven former fraternity members. In a video message to the Cornell community, he reflected on a disturbing incident involving a student he referred to as Jane Doe, which took place in 2024, conveying that it would leave a lasting impact on the community.

“What happened to Jane Doe is deeply disturbing and will weigh heavily on our community for years to come. My heart aches when I think of what she experienced,” Kotlikoff stated.

Kotlikoff highlighted the broader implications of the case, touching on issues such as sexual assault, campus party culture, and substance abuse at the university’s Ithaca, New York campus. He acknowledged the complexity of the situation, saying, “I want to recognize that we don’t have all the answers, but we are committed to investigating and finding the answers our community deserves. We must do better,” he reiterated.

Kotlikoff welcomed an independent review by an external law firm regarding the university’s actions in this matter and endorsed New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s move to have the investigation transferred to Attorney General Letitia James.

He emphasized that changes to prevention strategies, educational resources, and investigative procedures would not be delayed while waiting for the outcomes of these reviews. “We will act,” he confirmed.

Jane Doe has brought forth a lawsuit claiming that seven former Chi Phi fraternity brothers drugged and assaulted her during an October 2024 event at their house. At the time of the incident, she was a 20-year-old undergraduate at Cornell.

The accused individuals have denied any wrongdoing, with some asserting that their interactions were consensual and others denying their involvement altogether. So far, no criminal charges have been filed against them.

Doe’s extensive lawsuit, filed last month, outlined accusations of sexual assault and named both Cornell University and other parties. The scrutiny on the case increased following statements from Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten, who noted that his office had not received crucial transcripts from Doe’s November 2024 police interview prior to declining to prosecute. Subsequently, he reopened the investigation, leading to the Attorney General being appointed as a special prosecutor. James recently indicated that her office was actively investigating the matter.

Kotlikoff also addressed the frustrations regarding Cornell’s communication about the allegations and assured that the university would strive for greater transparency in its operations moving forward. “There are real legal and privacy limits on what we can say, but we will make a greater effort to explain what we can and provide context about the actions Cornell has taken,” he said.

In a further step, Kotlikoff mentioned the need to reevaluate the role of fraternities and sororities within the campus environment and to support legislative efforts aimed at reforming New York’s sexual assault laws. “You have my commitment that this will not be a moment that passes,” he concluded.