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Cornell suspends fraternity parties, gives state police role in investigating campus assault reports
Yahoo • • general
Key Points:
- Cornell University is suspending all parties and social events at fraternity houses for the remainder of the 2026-27 academic year and implementing a zero-tolerance policy for violations, following allegations of sexual assault at a fraternity house in 2024.
- The university will involve the New York State Police in investigating sex crimes on campus to ensure independent criminal investigations, moving away from reliance solely on campus police.
- Cornell plans to add a case manager to assist sexual misconduct reporters, invest in safe social alternatives to Greek life party culture, and expand sexual violence prevention and bystander intervention programs.
- The measures follow a high-profile lawsuit alleging drugging and gang rape at a fraternity party, with the New York Attorney General now leading the investigation after the local district attorney was removed from the case.
- University President Michael Kotlikoff acknowledged broader issues of campus culture, including excessive drinking and drug use, and committed to systemic changes to improve safety and support for survivors.
