Cornell University has banned all fraternity parties for the remainder of the academic year following backlash over its handling of an alleged sexual assault. The university's president announced new measures, including improved support for survivors and an investigation by state police.
The ban on fraternity parties and the state-level investigation highlight significant concerns about campus safety and the handling of sexual assault allegations, potentially leading to broader policy changes at universities and increased scrutiny of institutional responses to such incidents.
Cornell University has banned all parties at fraternity houses for the remainder of the academic year, responding to criticism over its handling of an alleged sexual assault that occurred two years ago. The decision comes after a woman, identified as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit alleging she was drugged and raped at a fraternity party in 2024.
In a statement on Tuesday, Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff expressed deep sorrow for the harm Doe suffered and acknowledged the university's failings. "It is clear that women on our campus continue to question whether they are safe. We must meet this moment by acknowledging where we have fallen short and taking meaningful action," Kotlikoff said.
The university plans to enhance support for survivors of sexual assault, including increasing staff to assist with reporting misconduct and navigating support systems. Additionally, New York State Police's trauma-informed officers will investigate sexual assault allegations on campus, interviewing survivors who wish to pursue criminal charges and preparing investigative summaries for law enforcement.
Cornell has faced scrutiny regarding the information shared with the Tompkins County District Attorney's office. Media outlets obtained documents indicating the DA's office received a limited statement from the victim and Snapchat messages advertising a sexual encounter. State officials have also criticized District Attorney Matthew Van Houten's decision not to press charges or interview victims himself. In response, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James to investigate the case. Kotlikoff stated that Cornell will also engage national sexual violence prevention experts to examine campus safety strategies.
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