New York Attorney General Letitia James is initiating a “review” of the so-called “Cornell 7” gang rape case, as announced by her office.
This move follows the emergence of the case when a former Cornell University student filed a lawsuit alleging she was raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house back in 2024.
James clarified on Spectrum News Wednesday evening that her office has civil jurisdiction, unlike criminal jurisdiction.
“Currently, we are possibly examining how Cornell managed this situation, and if their protocols could be improved to enhance security for all students,” she stated. “This is especially important for individuals who are victims of sexual assault.”
The plaintiff criticized Cornell’s internal Title IX investigation, which reportedly included 12 hearings, claiming the consequences for her assailants were minimal—only two of the seven faced expulsion.
Cornell has refuted these allegations, arguing it followed police guidelines and has banned the Chi Phi chapter from the campus.
Latest on the ‘Cornell 7’ fraternity investigation:
Meanwhile, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten has announced the reopening of a criminal investigation regarding the alleged rape.
James’ comments came amid calls from other politicians, including Governor Kathy Hochul, for similar inquiries into this troubling case, which has sparked significant outrage across the nation in recent weeks.
At a campaign event in Ithaca, where Cornell is located, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemned the university and other “elite institutions” for fostering a “culture of rape, sexual assault, and pedophilia.”
