Cornell bans all fraternity parties over gang sex assault allegations

What the report says

Cornell University has announced a ban on parties at fraternity houses for the rest of the school year after renewed backlash over how it handled a sexual assault allegation involving a student known as Jane Doe. The BBC reports that Doe filed a civil lawsuit last month saying she was drugged and raped by several men at a Cornell fraternity house in 2024.

University president Michael Kotlikoff said the school was taking the step in response to the alleged assault and to address concerns that women on campus do not feel safe. He also said violations of the new policy could lead to suspension. Alongside the party ban, Cornell said it plans to expand support for sexual assault survivors and bring in more staff to help students report misconduct and access related services.

The case has drawn criticism from state officials and others over Cornell’s handling of the complaint and the information passed to local prosecutors. The BBC says Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten received limited materials from the university’s investigation, while New York Governor Kathy Hochul has asked the state attorney general to review the matter. Doe’s lawyer said the lawsuit aims to improve Cornell’s response to abuse claims, though he said the new measures come too late for his client.

Cornell also said New York State Police officers with trauma-informed training will be allowed to investigate sexual assault allegations on campus, and that outside experts will review broader causes of campus sexual violence and prevention strategies.