A group of former Cornell University students who graduated in 2022 and 2023 are demanding that the institution explicitly state they had no connection to a high-profile 2024 sexual assault. The alumni, who previously belonged to the Chi Phi fraternity, report facing intense online harassment, doxxing, and severe personal and professional repercussions after being wrongly linked to the case. On October 3, an attorney representing the alumni submitted a formal letter to university officials requesting a public clarification to clear everyone who graduated prior to the alleged incident. The controversy stems from a civil lawsuit filed in September by a woman identified as Jane Doe. The suit alleges that she was pressured into taking ketamine and sexually assaulted by fraternity members inside the house following a crude message sent to a Snapchat group chat in October 2024. While the local district attorney initially brought no criminal charges, New York Attorney General Letitia James was subsequently appointed as special counsel to investigate. Attorney Adam Ford, representing the unaffected alumni, emphasized that none of his clients were part of the group chat or even enrolled at Cornell during the fall 2024 semester. Despite this, their names appeared on a digital exposure list, triggering severe threats, intimidation, and adverse employment actions, including mandatory leaves of absence. Although the names were later removed following cease-and-desist notices, the alumni are urging Cornell to issue a clear public statement and provide individual letters confirming they had no involvement in the group chat. Cornell representatives did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the request.
Source: cbsnews.com
