Details emerge in case of former Cornell student alleging gang rape by fraternity members

Key Points:

• A former Cornell student, identified as Jane Doe, has filed a civil lawsuit alleging she was drugged and gang-raped by seven Chi Phi fraternity members in October 2024, accusing the fraternity and university of negligence and breach of contract.
• Cornell conducted a Title IX investigation resulting in expulsions and suspensions, and closed the Chi Phi chapter, but no criminal charges were initially filed; the university disputes claims that punishments were minimal.
• The Tompkins County District Attorney's Office announced it will reopen the criminal investigation following community pressure, noting discrepancies between Jane Doe's original 2024 statement and the civil lawsuit allegations.
• Jane Doe's attorney claims she was not properly interviewed by criminal investigators after reporting the assault to campus police, while the DA states the original statement described consensual activity and was unaware of the lawsuit's differing claims until recently.
• Defendants deny the allegations, with one accused fraternity member's attorney presenting evidence such as a hair follicle test to refute drug use claims, and emphasizing the need for evidence-based judgment through proper legal processes.