ITHACA, N.Y. — Cornell University is facing a growing firestorm over its handling of a 2024 sexual assault case, after a former student accused members of the Chi Phi fraternity of drugging and gang-raping her — and New York's governor demanded an independent investigation into the school's response.
The woman, who was 20 at the time, says the assault happened in October 2024 at the fraternity's Xi chapter house. She reported it to Cornell campus police the following month. No criminal charges were filed at the time.
On Sept. 16, she filed a 101-page civil lawsuit naming seven former fraternity members, the fraternity's Xi chapter, Cornell University, her Tri Delta sorority and its Alpha Beta chapter, alleging sexual assault and battery, negligence and violations of state human rights law, according to USA Today. The suit includes a group text thread in which one fraternity member allegedly wrote about "free p–sy" in a house bedroom, with others responding lewdly.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten confirmed to USA Today on Sept. 28 that his office has reopened the criminal investigation. Van Houten said no charges were brought in 2024 because, in his office's reading, the woman's sworn statement described her drug use and sexual conduct as voluntary — and there was no evidence she clearly expressed non-consent while under the influence of ketamine and alcohol. He called the fraternity members' alleged behavior "disgusting and morally reprehensible" and said he has contacted the woman's attorneys about potential charges through a grand jury.
Cornell said Sept. 28 that it supports the decision to reopen the case. The university said it conducted a months-long Title IX investigation, separate from the criminal process, using temporary suspensions and other restrictive measures. The school said some of the accused students were expelled, disputing the lawsuit's claim that the men were merely given the option to "mitigate their conduct by submitting essays."
The fallout has spread beyond campus. Gov. Kathy Hochul said Tuesday the allegations are "nothing short of horrifying" and called for an independent investigation, asking Cornell's board of trustees to appoint outside attorneys to review the university's response and campus culture. Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo announced Monday he will seek a moratorium on city permits for Greek life and other student events until Cornell accounts for its protocols — blasting the university for never contacting Ithaca police about the case. The moratorium needs Common Council approval. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez denounced what she called the school's "culture of rape" on Sunday. Actress Mariska Hargitay and her Joyful Heart Foundation issued a statement Sept. 27 supporting the accuser, saying she was never told the outcome of her own Title IX case. The Cornell Daily Sun's editorial board demanded transparency about the Title IX investigation on Sept. 21. On "The View" Tuesday, co-host Sunny Hostin — whose daughter attends Cornell — said that under New York law as written, the DA's 2024 decision not to charge was legally supported, while questioning why the woman would have reported if she didn't believe a crime occurred.
Tuesday night, Cornell's president, provost and board chair wrote to the campus community: "The events that took place on our campus in 2024 were appalling then and remain so now," adding that everyone in the Cornell community must be able to "live, work, and study without fear of sexual assault or abuse," according to the Wall Street Journal.
No criminal charges have been filed as of publication. NCN is not naming the accuser. This is a developing story.
- National Correspondent Network
