Cornell suspends frat parties after gang rape case

Key Points:

• Cornell University has suspended all fraternity parties until the end of the 2026/27 academic year following allegations of a gang rape at the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024, introducing a "zero tolerance" policy that could lead to immediate chapter suspensions for violations.
• University President Michael Kotlikoff emphasized the suspension aims to allow a thorough review of fraternity life and the development of safer social alternatives, with plans to increase support for victims by adding a case manager to the Office of Civil Rights.
• The initial investigation by campus police and the Tompkins County district attorney's decision not to prosecute the case faced widespread criticism, prompting Cornell to collaborate with New York State Police for an independent investigation.
• The alleged victim filed a lawsuit accusing multiple fraternity members of drugging and sexually assaulting her, with messages about her being shared without consent; all accused men have denied the allegations, and the Chi Phi chapter was closed by the university.
• The New York Attorney General is now handling the investigation, and former Deputy US Attorney General Sally Yates will review Cornell's response to the incident.