Cornell issues public statement

Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff said the institution is rethinking its approach after allegations that a female student was drugged and sexually assaulted at a fraternity house tied to the university. Kotlikoff said the case raises serious questions about alcohol and drug use on campus, as well as how investigations are carried out.

In an about eight-minute video released Saturday evening, Kotlikoff said he found the allegations described by the student, identified only as Jane Doe, deeply troubling. He stressed that the university is determined to review how the case was handled and said the administration and campus community need to do more.

Michael Kotlikoff said, “We must build a culture where sexual assault is never excused.”

Claims outlined in the lawsuit

According to the statement in the lawsuit, the incident took place on 19 October 2024 at the house of Chi Phi, a Cornell fraternity. Jane Doe, who was 20 at the time, alleged that she was sexually assaulted for hours by seven men in an episode that involved alcohol and ketamine.

Jane Doe said she went to university police about two weeks later, but no charges were filed in the investigation. In the lawsuit she filed last month, she argued that Cornell failed to protect her and did not adequately punish the men named in the case. The suit also says she was too intoxicated to consent during the incident.

New York state and an independent review

State officials reopen the case

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she was deeply disturbed by the way the investigation was handled. Hochul assigned New York Attorney General Letitia James to review the case.

Kotlikoff said he supports James’ decision to lead a criminal investigation. Cornell also said it welcomes an independent review by a law firm into how the university handled the process.

What issues are being debated on campus?

Kotlikoff said a broader assessment is needed and added that the role of fraternities and sororities in campus life must be examined closely. The president highlighted the following priorities:

  • Strengthening a zero-tolerance approach to sexual assault
  • Raising awareness of consent within student organizations
  • Creating an environment where survivors can come forward safely and be treated with respect

The Cornell case has brought campus safety, consent and oversight of student organizations back into focus at universities across the United States.