Cornell agrees to independent review of how it handled fraternity sexual assault allegations: Governor
Cornell to Face Outside Review Over Handling of Fraternity Assault Claims
Tyunews.com – Cornell agrees to independent review of its response to allegations that a former student was drugged and sexually assaulted by fraternity members, according to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. The allegations involve a former student identified in a civil lawsuit as Jane Doe and concern an incident at the former Chi Phi fraternity house in Ithaca in 2024.
Hochul said she urged the university to arrange an external investigation because of questions about whether Cornell adequately protected students and responded appropriately after the allegations were reported.
“I wanted to make sure they knew how important this was, and they absolutely agreed,” Hochul said. “They will be conducting what I asked for, which is an independent outside investigation of what happened.”
Cornell confirmed that an external investigation would occur, but it had not yet announced who would lead it, the review’s scope, or when its findings could be released.
Questions About Cornell’s Response
The planned review is intended to examine the university’s handling of the case and concerns about student safety and campus culture. Hochul said an independent process is important for the former student, her family, the Cornell community and the public.
“People need to know the truth,” Hochul said. “It’s important for the public, for the victim, her family and the university community to know that their university did everything that they’re supposed to do.”
The case has renewed attention on how colleges handle reports of sexual violence. Cornell’s internal data show that 35% of undergraduate women reported experiencing sexual assault during their time at the university. Hochul said the issue reaches beyond one campus.
“There’s been a culture of this kind of treatment of young women on campuses for as long as I’ve been in college, and it has to change,” Hochul said.
Criminal Investigation Reopened
The external review is separate from the criminal process. Prosecutors in central New York reopened their investigation after the civil complaint brought renewed focus to the alleged assault.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said his office is considering whether criminal charges are warranted. He said the civil lawsuit’s allegations differ substantially from the statement the woman gave police two years earlier.
Van Houten also said prosecutors previously relied on the Cornell Police investigation rather than conducting an independent inquiry. With the matter reopened, authorities are again assessing the available evidence and whether it supports possible criminal action.
The lawsuit alleges that seven former and current Chi Phi fraternity members were involved. Three defendants have denied the allegations through their attorneys, and the claims have not been established in court.
Chi Phi’s Cornell chapter has been barred from campus. Trey Robb, the fraternity’s interim executive director, said every accused member was removed from the Cornell chapter within three days of Jane Doe’s 2024 police report.
Prior Title IX Discipline
Cornell has said it conducted a Title IX investigation into the former student’s complaint. According to the university, its hearing panel imposed sanctions that included expulsions and suspensions.
In a statement issued Monday, Cornell rejected claims that it failed to impose meaningful consequences.
“Any suggestion that the University did not impose consequential punishments for those involved is false,” Cornell said.
University Title IX proceedings are administrative processes distinct from police investigations and criminal prosecutions. They may lead to campus discipline, while prosecutors independently decide whether criminal charges should be filed. The review Cornell agreed to conduct is expected to assess the institution’s response rather than replace either process.
FAQ: Cornell’s Independent Review
What will Cornell’s independent review examine?
Cornell has not released the review’s full scope. It is expected to focus on how the university handled the allegations, including questions about reporting, investigation procedures, communication and fraternity-related safety concerns.
Will the review decide whether anyone committed a crime?
No. The external review is separate from the criminal investigation. The Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office is evaluating the allegations and whether available evidence supports possible charges.
Has Cornell announced when the findings will be released?
No timeline for completing the review or releasing its findings has been announced.