Cornell president calls gang rape allegations 'deeply disturbing'

Key Points:

• Cornell University President Michael I. Kotlikoff acknowledged the university must improve its handling of sexual assault cases following a civil lawsuit alleging a 2024 gang rape at the Chi Phi fraternity house.
• The lawsuit, filed by a former student identified as Jane Doe, claims she was drugged and repeatedly raped by multiple fraternity members, accusations denied by some defendants.
• Kotlikoff expressed deep concern over the incident and called for a cultural shift around sexual assault, consent, and prevention, while committing to transparency and stronger educational efforts.
• New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor, and Cornell plans an independent review of its handling of the case, alongside supporting legislative changes to sexual assault laws.
• The university also intends to reassess the role of Greek life on campus and enhance resources related to sexual assault prevention and substance use.