Cornell president says school "must do better" amid criticism of its investigation into rape allegations, tell me about this news today

Cornell University Interim President Michael Kotlikoff released a video message addressing mounting public scrutiny and campus protests over the university’s handling of gang rape allegations from 2024, stating that the institution “must do better”.

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The Background

The scrutiny follows a 101-page civil lawsuit filed by a former undergraduate (“Jane Doe”) against Cornell, the national Chi Phi fraternity, and seven former members of its Cornell chapter.

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• The Allegations: Doe stated that in October 2024, she was drugged with ketamine, incapacitated, and repeatedly sexually assaulted by seven fraternity members over several hours at the Chi Phi house in Ithaca.

  The Storm Media

• The Initial Response: Following a report to campus police three weeks later, Cornell shut down the fraternity chapter and conducted a Title IX investigation that led to sanctions including suspensions and expulsions, though two men were found not responsible and one graduated prior to adjudication.

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• The Criminal Investigation Breakdown: At the time, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten declined to bring criminal charges, citing insufficient evidence. However, it recently surfaced that his office had not received the full transcript of Doe’s initial police interviewwhere she stated she was incapacitated and coercedbefore declining to prosecute.

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Current Developments

• State Intervention: New York Governor Kathy Hochul intervened, directing New York Attorney General Letitia James to act as special prosecutor to lead an independent, active criminal investigation into the matter.

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• Kotlikoff’s Statement: In his video address, Kotlikoff called the situation a “defining moment in Cornell’s history”. He acknowledged campus frustration and distrust stemming from a lack of university communication.

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• University Next Steps: Kotlikoff announced that Cornell will conduct reviews, expand mental health and prevention resources, update investigative procedures, and host forums in the coming weeks allowing students, faculty, and parents to question university leadership directly.

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