Cornell University President Michael I. Kotlikoff stated that the institution must do better following a civil lawsuit filed weeks ago that alleges a gang rape at a campus fraternity house in 2024. In an eight-minute video message released on Saturday, Kotlikoff addressed growing questions regarding the university’s handling of the female student’s sexual assault allegations. The student initially reported the incident to campus police and university officials shortly after it occurred. Kotlikoff acknowledged that the institution does not have all the answers yet but remains committed to a thorough investigation. He noted that the situation raises troubling issues about sexual assault, party culture, and substance use, calling it one of the most difficult weeks in the history of Cornell University. A former student, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit last month against the university, the Chi Phi fraternity, and seven former students. The legal action claims she was drugged and repeatedly assaulted at the fraternity house in October 2024 at the age of 20. Attorneys representing some of the accused men have denied these allegations. The Tompkins County district attorney previously declined to file criminal charges, stating he did not receive complete interview transcripts from campus police where the victim explicitly stated she was raped. Following public scrutiny, New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed State Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to review the matter. Kotlikoff stated that Cornell welcomes the appointment and announced that the board of trustees will commission an independent review by an outside law firm to examine every aspect of the university’s response. The university president also pledged support for legislative efforts aimed at reforming New York’s sexual assault laws. Moving forward, Cornell plans to enhance transparency, improve assault prevention and education, expand substance use resources, and evaluate the overall role of fraternities and sororities in campus life.
Source: npr.org
