Cornell University appoints Sally Yates for review of sexual assault response

Cornell University trustees have appointed former United States Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to conduct an independent internal review of the university's handling of allegations of sexual assault and harassment. This decision follows criticism regarding the university's response to a former student’s rape allegations. Yates will investigate how Cornell manages reports of sexual misconduct, its disciplinary procedures, the response of campus police, and oversight of fraternities. Yates served as deputy attorney general during the Obama administration and was acting attorney general at the beginning of Donald Trump's presidency, where she was dismissed in 2017 after refusing to defend Trump's initial travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries. Cornell Board of Trustees Chair Anne Meinig Smalling stated, "It is imperative that Cornell be willing to examine itself with the same rigor we expect of others." The review comes after renewed scrutiny of Cornell’s handling of allegations made by a woman, referred to in court filings as Jane Doe, who claimed she was sexually assaulted by multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024. This case gained attention after Doe filed a civil lawsuit against the university, the fraternity, and seven former students in September. No criminal charges have been filed related to the case. Cornell has indicated that it expelled some students and suspended others following its investigation, and the Chi Phi chapter was shut down. Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff remarked, "We don’t have all the answers, but we are committed to investigating and finding the answers our community deserves." Yates, who is currently a partner at the law firm King & Spalding, has conducted independent investigations, including a 2022 investigation into sexual abuse and misconduct in the National Women’s Soccer League that identified systemic failures. Additionally, New York Attorney General Letitia James is conducting a separate criminal investigation into the allegations after Governor Kathy Hochul appointed her as a special prosecutor last week. Hochul had called for an independent review of Cornell’s handling of the case amid criticism from students, faculty, and others.