Amid rape allegations, Cornell bans fraternity parties and events : NPR

Key Points:

• Cornell University has banned parties and social events at fraternities for the remainder of the school year and will integrate sexual assault investigators into its police unit following a 2024 gang rape allegation by a former student against Chi Phi fraternity members.
• The university's president, Michael I. Kotlikoff, acknowledged a "deeply disturbing" culture of drug, alcohol abuse, and rising sexual violence on campus, committing to enhanced education, oversight, and support services for survivors.
• The lawsuit filed by Jane Doe revealed the use of ketamine and crude discussions in a Snapchat group chat by fraternity members, sparking national outrage, death threats against Doe, and widespread protests on campus.
• Despite the administration's response, student activists and faculty express skepticism, calling the measures insufficient and delayed, with the faculty senate considering a rare vote of no confidence in university leadership.
• Additional reforms include increased staffing in the civil rights office, collaboration with New York State Police for independent sexual assault investigations, and involvement of experts to reform the Presidential Task Force on Sexual Assault.