DA reopens probe into 7 Cornell frat bros who allegedly drugged, gang raped student

Key Points:

• Prosecutors in Tompkins County, New York, are reopening an investigation into allegations that seven Cornell University fraternity brothers drugged and gang-raped a former student in 2024, following a civil lawsuit filed by the survivor known as Jane Doe.
• The lawsuit alleges that Doe was coerced into taking drugs and sexually assaulted over several hours at the Chi Phi fraternity house, with evidence including a Snapchat message inviting others to join the assault, which was not initially provided to prosecutors.
• Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten stated the case will be presented to a grand jury with Doe's cooperation, citing new evidence and a need to reassess the case, while the defense denies the allegations and criticizes the lawsuit as dishonest.
• Cornell University has maintained the fraternity chapter's ban and highlighted ongoing efforts to address sexual violence on campus, including a task force report showing an increase in reported non-consensual sexual contact among female undergraduates.
• The case has sparked widespread outrage, with public figures like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and actress Florence Pugh condemning the culture of sexual assault in elite institutions and calling for systemic change.