A Special Committee of the Cornell University Board of Trustees has retained former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates, a partner at law firm King & Spalding LLP, to lead an independent review of the university's policies and practices regarding sexual harassment, sexual assault, and related misconduct on campus. The review will assess how the university prevents and responds to such incidents, including the handling of reports, support for students, disciplinary processes, and coordination with law enforcement agencies.
The review will specifically examine Cornell's response to allegations involving Jane Doe and members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024, evaluating whether the university adhered to its policies and procedures in that case. The Special Committee includes Chair Anne Meinig Smalling and trustees Jennifer L. Davis, Tara Holm, Howard L. Morgan Ph.D., Beckie Robertson, Stephen C. Robinson, Esq., Martin F. Scheinman, Esq., and Robert W. Selander.
Chair Smalling stated that Yates brings significant experience and independence to the review, emphasizing the importance of examining Cornell's overall approach to preventing and responding to sexual misconduct. The review will compare Cornell's practices against Title IX, the Clery Act, the Violence Against Women Act’s Campus SaVE Act, New York State law, and best practices in higher education.
Yates and her team will operate independently and will report their findings directly to the Special Committee. The university will provide access to relevant records and policies while adhering to legal and privacy requirements. The review will also consider Cornell's organization, staffing, resources, student support services, and law enforcement coordination. Smalling highlighted the need for Cornell to rigorously evaluate its own practices to become a leader in preventing sexual violence and supporting those who come forward with allegations.
Yates has a background as a former Acting Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General of the United States, with extensive experience in independent investigations. The Special Committee has requested that the review be conducted thoroughly and expediently, with the results and recommendations to be shared with the Cornell community.