Cornell University President Addresses Handling of Sexual Assault Allegations

<p>Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff stated on Saturday that the university "must do better" in response to questions regarding its handling of sexual assault allegations involving seven former fraternity brothers. </p><p>Kotlikoff expressed concern about the case, stating, "What happened to Jane Doe in 2024 is deeply disturbing and will weigh heavily on our community for years to come. My heart aches when I think of what she experienced," in a video statement to the Cornell community.</p><p>The president noted that the case raises issues related to sexual assault, campus party culture, alcohol and drug abuse at the Ithaca, New York campus, as well as the investigation that followed the allegations. </p><p>He acknowledged the difficulty for an institution to admit it does not have all the answers but emphasized the commitment to investigate and find answers for the community. "I believe we as an administration, and we as a community must do better," Kotlikoff stated.</p><p>Kotlikoff welcomed an independent review by an outside law firm regarding Cornell's handling of the case and expressed support for Governor Kathy Hochul's decision to refer the criminal investigation to New York Attorney General Letitia James.</p><p>He indicated that Cornell would not wait for the reviews to conclude before implementing changes to prevention and education, student support, mental health and substance use resources, and investigative processes. "We will act," he said.</p><p>Jane Doe has filed a lawsuit alleging that seven former Chi Phi fraternity brothers drugged and sexually assaulted her during an event at the fraternity house in October 2024. At the time, Doe was a 20-year-old undergraduate at Cornell.</p><p>The accused individuals have denied any wrongdoing, with some claiming that the sexual activity was consensual while others assert they did not participate. No criminal charges have been filed against them.</p><p>The case has gained renewed attention after Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten mentioned that his office had not received the complete transcript of Doe's November 2024 interview with Cornell University Police, which led to the initial decision not to pursue charges.</p><p>Following this, Van Houten reopened the investigation before Hochul appointed the Office of the Attorney General as special prosecutor. James confirmed that her office is conducting an "active criminal investigation." </p><p>Kotlikoff also addressed concerns regarding Cornell's communication about its response to the allegations, stating that the university would strive for greater transparency. "There are real legal and privacy limits on what we can say, but we will make a greater effort to explain what we can to provide context about the actions Cornell has taken and to be more transparent," he said.</p><p>Additionally, Kotlikoff mentioned that Cornell would review the role of fraternities and sororities on campus and support initiatives to change New York's sexual assault laws. "You have my commitment that this will not be a moment that passes," he concluded.</p>