Cornell Faces Review Over Rape Allegations
Goldlaner.com – New York attorney general to review Cornell University’s response to allegations that a former student was drugged and sexually assaulted by fraternity members in October 2024. The review comes after the woman, identified in court records as Jane Doe, filed a 101-page civil lawsuit this month.
Tompkins County prosecutors have also reopened their examination of the matter and plan to seek grand jury consideration. The two actions place renewed focus on how criminal investigators and universities respond when students report sexual violence.
District Attorney Reopens the Case
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said his office reconsidered its earlier decision not to pursue charges after community members called for another look at allegations involving seven members of Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity.
“Asked by the community to revisit the decision whether to pursue criminal charges against the seven fraternity members.”
Van Houten said charges were not filed in 2024 because Doe had not made the same central allegations to Cornell police that are now described in the lawsuit. Her attorney disputes that account, saying the information provided to Cornell authorities shortly after the incident was not materially different from the claims in the 2026 complaint.
A grand jury review does not determine guilt or establish criminal responsibility. Prosecutors may present evidence to jurors, who decide whether there is a sufficient basis to bring charges.
Claims Detailed in the Civil Lawsuit
The complaint names Cornell University, the Chi Phi fraternity, seven students accused of involvement, and more than a dozen defendants overall. It includes claims of negligence, breach of contract, sexual assault and battery, and alleged violations of New York’s Human Rights Law.
Doe was 20 at the time of the alleged assault. According to the filing, she drank at her sorority house and a bar before going to the Chi Phi house on October 19, 2024, to see a friend who belonged to the fraternity.
The lawsuit says she had consumed about 10 standard drinks over the prior three hours. It alleges that her friend and another fraternity member gave her more alcohol and pressured her to snort a substance described as ketamine.
The filing alleges that Doe was assaulted while unable to consent and that another fraternity member later entered the room and assaulted her. It says a message posted at about 1:42 a.m. in a fraternity Snapchat group encouraged additional members to go upstairs.
The complaint further alleges that several fraternity members entered the room, that Doe was directed to take more ketamine, and that two men later took her to another room, where the alleged assaults continued until about 5:45 a.m.
Students Contest the Allegations
Attorneys for some accused students deny wrongdoing. Jeremy Saland, who represents one student, said his client did not commit any wrongdoing and noted that prosecutors initially brought no charges.
“Even the district attorney’s office, led by a chief prosecutor with the duty to pursue justice and uphold the rule of law without bias or favor, filed no charges against (him) because what she alleged did not happen.”
Saland said his client never sexually assaulted or touched the plaintiff. A lawyer for another student said that student participated in the Snapchat conversation cited in the complaint but did not engage in sexual activity, drug use, or conduct for which Cornell found him responsible.
The allegations remain claims in a civil lawsuit, and the reopening of the criminal review does not amount to a finding of guilt. New York attorney general to review Cornell’s institutional response separately from the district attorney’s examination of potential criminal charges.
FAQ: What Happens Next in New York?
What is the attorney general reviewing? New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office is reviewing Cornell’s response after the allegations were raised. That review concerns the university’s actions, while the district attorney’s office is examining whether criminal charges should be pursued.
Does a grand jury review mean charges will be filed? No. A grand jury may hear evidence presented by prosecutors and decide whether there is sufficient basis for an indictment.
What should Cornell students do if they need support? Students who experience or witness sexual violence can seek immediate medical care, contact local emergency services when necessary, and use campus and community support resources. Reporting options and available support can vary depending on the circumstances.