Key facts
- Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff knew about a student's sexual assault allegations in November 2024 but did not follow up.
- The accuser, identified as Jane Doe, filed a civil lawsuit last month, after which Kotlikoff learned she had dropped out.
- Seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity are accused of sexual assault at a party in October 2024.
- The Tompkins county district attorney will reopen the investigation into the allegations.
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor.
- Cornell University will suspend fraternity parties for the rest of the academic year.
Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff has acknowledged he was aware of a student's sexual assault allegations in November 2024 but did not follow up with the accuser. He stated he learned of her dropping out only after she filed a civil lawsuit last month.
Kotlikoff's comments come as the university faces mounting scrutiny and calls for his resignation. The lawsuit, filed last month by a former student identified as "Jane Doe," accuses seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity of sexually assaulting her at a party in October 2024. The accused men have denied wrongdoing and have not been criminally charged.
The incident was reported to the Cornell University police department in November 2024. Following an internal investigation, two of the accused men were expelled, two were suspended, and one who had already graduated was barred from campus. Others received lighter punishments, including orders not to contact Jane Doe and to write reflection papers.
The Tompkins county district attorney initially declined to bring charges due to insufficient evidence but has since stated the investigation will be reopened. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed State Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to investigate the claims.
In an interview with The New York Times, Kotlikoff called the allegations "deeply disturbing" and welcomed the appointment of James. He admitted that leadership should have been made aware if a student felt unsafe due to the outcome of the university's administrative review process. The university's faculty senate is expected to hold a vote of no confidence in Kotlikoff later this month.
Following the interview, Kotlikoff announced that Cornell would suspend parties at fraternity houses for the remainder of the academic year and plans to add experienced sexual assault investigators to its police force. The Cornell University Board of Trustees' special committee has retained Sally Yates, former deputy attorney general, to lead an independent review of the university's prevention and response to sexual misconduct.