Cornell University's handling of an alleged gang rape at a fraternity house has raised questions regarding the impact of Title IX on campus sexual assault cases. A woman, referred to as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit against Cornell and seven fraternity members, claiming she was assaulted at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024 after being pressured into using substances. The accused men deny the allegations, asserting that the sexual activity was consensual or that they were not involved.
Title IX, a federal civil rights law that prohibits sexual discrimination in education, has evolved over the years. A 2011 guidance under President Barack Obama clarified that it also protects individuals who report sexual assault or harassment. The law allows for simultaneous handling of sexual assault cases in both criminal court and through campus Title IX disciplinary processes.
Megan Greeson, a professor at DePaul University, noted that serious consequences are rare in either system, citing a review of 288,066 cases where only about 20% of reported assaults were prosecuted and 8% led to convictions. In Jane Doe's case, the local district attorney decided not to prosecute after she provided substantial information to campus police.
The dual-track system of investigations often confuses victims, as they may not understand the differences between the two processes. Title IX investigations resemble police investigations, with witness interviews and the involvement of attorneys. However, the standard for determining culpability is lower than that of the criminal justice system, requiring a finding of responsibility if the evidence suggests the allegations are more likely true than not.
Consequences for those found responsible can include expulsion, suspension, or loss of scholarships, with findings potentially affecting future educational opportunities. Title IX complaints at Cornell have fluctuated with changes in regulations, dropping from 205 in 2019 to 98 in 2020, then rising to 166 in 2024.
Critics argue that changes made during President Donald Trump's administration discouraged students from reporting sexual assault, while the Biden administration sought to expand protections. However, a federal judge in Kentucky overturned these changes in early 2025, reverting to the 2020 rules.
Cornell's Title IX office has faced scrutiny, with the number of complaints reported and the outcomes of investigations drawing criticism. Following the alleged assault, the Chi Phi fraternity was suspended and later closed. Investigators conducted numerous interviews and gathered evidence, leading to a disciplinary hearing that lasted 12 days.
Some accused students received suspensions or expulsions, but these outcomes are considered unusual given the overall low rate of findings of responsibility in Title IX cases. Amid calls for accountability, Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff announced measures to improve the handling of sexual misconduct cases, including suspending fraternity parties and involving state police in investigations. A review of the university's processes is also underway.