A student has alleged she was drugged and gang-raped inside the Chi Phi fraternity house at Cornell University. Cornell University's president, Michael Kotlikoff, stated that the school 'must do better' following the allegations made by a woman identified as Jane Doe, which he described as 'deeply disturbing.' The alleged incident has raised questions about the campus culture surrounding drug and alcohol use and the investigation process.
Jane Doe, a 20-year-old student at the university, claims that on October 19, 2024, she was assaulted by seven men from the Chi Phi fraternity, involving alcohol and the drug ketamine. She reported the incident to Cornell University police two weeks later, but no charges were filed. Last month, Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit against Cornell, alleging that the university failed to protect her and did not adequately punish those involved.
Kotlikoff expressed Cornell's commitment to investigating how the case was handled and emphasized the need for a culture where sexual assault is considered inexcusable. He stated that university leaders must create an environment where victims feel safe to come forward and are treated with compassion and dignity.
He referred to the situation as a 'defining moment' for the university, stating, 'We must lead the way, we owe it to Jane Doe and to survivors of assault to get this right.' On campus, students have expressed frustration regarding the incident, with some calling for significant changes in administration.
Kotlikoff mentioned the need for a serious examination of the role of fraternities and sororities in campus life, asserting that group membership should not diminish individual responsibility. He also indicated that Cornell would discuss how to utilize the current situation to lead efforts against sexual assault both on campus and beyond.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed her concern about the investigation's handling and appointed New York Attorney General Letitia James to review the case. Kotlikoff supported this decision and welcomed an independent review by a law firm regarding Cornell's handling of the matter. Jane Doe stated in her lawsuit that she was intoxicated during the alleged incident and could not provide consent.