Cornell President Vows ‘Serious Look’ at Campus Fraternities Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

Cornell University says it will review the place of fraternities and sororities on campus after a lawsuit accusing members of Chi Phi of a gang rape raised questions about accountability for sexual violence at colleges. In a Saturday video message, President Michael Kotlikoff pledged to gather views from students, alumni and others on keeping the worthwhile parts of Greek life while strengthening individual accountability and transparency, according to Time.

The suit, filed last month against the university and seven current and former students, comes from a woman identified as Jane Doe. She contends that on Oct. 19, 2024, she was attacked and pushed toward drugs and alcohol, and that Cornell mishandled the aftermath. The seven defendants deny wrongdoing. Cornell maintains it followed its policies and Title IX, and says it barred the fraternity and opened an investigation in 2025 that led to varied discipline. Local authorities had earlier passed on charges, and Gov. Kathy Hochul has now put Attorney General Letitia James in charge as special prosecutor, saying she no longer trusted the local prosecutor. Doe's attorney, Thomas Giuffra, told CNN she has faced threats and doxxing attempts, while thousands have posted #IamJaneDoe.

Summarized by PolitiKool from Time’s reporting. Read the full story at Time →