Ex-Cornell student sues fraternity members and college over alleged gang rape and claims several were punished with essay-writing

Key Points:

• A former Cornell student, identified as Jane Doe, filed a 101-page lawsuit alleging she was drugged and gang-raped by seven male fraternity members at the Chi Phi house in October 2024, and that the university failed to protect her or adequately punish the perpetrators.
• The complaint details a brutal, hours-long assault involving the administration of ketamine and coordination via a fraternity Snapchat group chat, with only two of the accused students expelled and others receiving lesser sanctions such as suspensions or essays.
• Doe reported the assault to Cornell Police in November 2024, but no criminal charges were filed due to insufficient evidence, and Doe’s attorney criticized the university and law enforcement for inadequate investigation and response.
• The Cornell Daily Sun editorial board condemned the university’s handling of the case, highlighting institutional delays, transparency issues, and the inappropriateness of academic punishments for severe sexual misconduct.
• Cornell University defended its procedures citing federal privacy laws, while Chi Phi’s national headquarters condemned sexual violence and stated they are taking the matter seriously amid ongoing litigation; Doe seeks compensatory and punitive damages for multiple alleged violations.