Cornell University Investigation Reopened Following Civil Lawsuit

An investigation into an alleged gang rape in 2024 at Cornell University has been reopened after the woman who reported the assault filed a lawsuit against the school and others. The woman, identified as Jane Doe, claims that during a party at the Chi Phi fraternity, she was given alcohol and pressured to snort ketamine before being assaulted by multiple men. At the time of the incident, no criminal charges were filed, although Cornell stated it conducted an investigation and took disciplinary actions, including suspensions and expulsions. The Chi Phi fraternity was closed that year and banned from campus. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten stated that the details in Jane Doe's original statement did not support criminal charges, but he described the conduct as morally wrong. The lawsuit claims that Cornell University failed to respond appropriately to the allegations. Prosecutors are now planning to present the case to a grand jury, though the timing and outcome remain uncertain. The handling of the case has drawn criticism from local officials, including Ithaca's mayor and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who has called for an independent investigation into Cornell's actions. Cornell University has stated that significant disciplinary actions were taken, but reports suggest that some of the accused men may have remained on campus. The situation has sparked anger and frustration among students, with many expressing support for Jane Doe and concern over the university's response.