Cornell University has announced a ban on all fraternity parties following backlash over its handling of an alleged sexual assault case from 2024. The announcement was made by Cornell's president, Michael Kotlikoff, who expressed regret for the harm suffered by the alleged victim, known as Jane Doe, who filed a lawsuit claiming she was drugged and raped by multiple men at a fraternity party.
In his statement, Kotlikoff acknowledged the need for the university to take meaningful action to address safety concerns for women on campus. He indicated that the ban on fraternity parties would remain in effect for the rest of the academic year. The university also plans to enhance support for survivors of sexual assault by increasing staff dedicated to assisting individuals in reporting misconduct and accessing support services.
Doe's attorney, Thomas Giuffra, stated that the lawsuit aims to improve Cornell's response to abuse claims, noting that while the university's new measures are a step in the right direction, they come too late to protect Doe, who has since dropped out of school.
Kotlikoff emphasized that any violations of the new policy would result in suspension. He also announced that New York State Police's trauma-informed officers would be allowed to investigate sexual assault allegations on campus, ensuring that survivors who wish to pursue criminal charges receive comprehensive support.
The university has faced criticism regarding the information it provided to the local district attorney's office about Doe's allegations. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten noted that his office received limited documentation related to the case. Additionally, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has tasked the state's attorney general, Letitia James, with investigating the matter further.
Kotlikoff stated that Cornell would engage national experts in sexual violence prevention to assess contributing factors to campus sexual violence and to promote responsible sexual behavior among students. He characterized these steps as the beginning of systematic change at the university.