Cornell fraternity student named in rape investigation sues to have allegations removed

Key Points:

• John Doe, a former Cornell fraternity member named in a sexual misconduct lawsuit, is suing Cornell University to have his name removed from lawsuits and his academic record cleared, alleging procedural violations in the university’s Title IX investigation and hearing.
• Doe claims Cornell charged him with Attempted Sexual Exploitation without formal notice, denying him the opportunity to properly defend himself, and accuses the university of a "bait and switch" by making him defend against different allegations than those originally presented.
• The university panel found Doe not responsible for sexual assault or exploitation but held him responsible for Attempted Sexual Exploitation based on his knowledge of a sexual situation in the fraternity house and his decision to enter the room, leading to sanctions including a no-contact order and educational requirements.
• Doe alleges a hearing panel member was distracted during his appeal by participating via Zoom while driving, but Cornell's appeal panel found this did not irreparably taint the hearing and denied his appeal.
• In his lawsuit, Doe seeks judicial annulment of Cornell’s decision, expungement of all related penalties and records, and asserts that the university acted arbitrarily and violated its own policies during the disciplinary process.