Cornell University announced on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, that it has hired former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to lead an independent review of the university’s protocols for preventing and responding to sexual assault and misconduct. The move follows a lawsuit and student protests regarding the school's handling of a 2024 gang-rape allegation. Yates, now a partner at the law firm King & Spalding, was appointed by a newly formed Special Committee of the Cornell University Board of Trustees.
The university’s decision comes after a student, identified in legal filings as Jane Doe, sued the university and seven fraternity members last month. The lawsuit alleges that Cornell failed to adequately investigate or punish members of the Chi Phi fraternity after an October 2024 incident. Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff described the situation on Oct. 3, 2026, as a "defining moment" for the university, stating that the institution "must do better."
According to the lawsuit, the student was plied with drugs and alcohol and then sexually assaulted by several fraternity members while incapacitated. A local prosecutor declined to bring criminal charges, but Cornell subsequently closed the Chi Phi chapter and imposed sanctions, including expulsions, on the members involved. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, students held a "Justice for Survivors" rally in Ithaca, New York, to demand firmer institutional action against sexual violence.
Cornell students and staff may see changes in how the university processes reports of sexual harassment and assault once the review concludes. The Board of Trustees stated that Yates will have "full independence" to examine Cornell’s internal responses.
The timeline for the completion of Yates' report was not disclosed on Tuesday. However, the findings are expected to include a detailed review of the 2024 incident involving Jane Doe as well as campus-wide policies. The outcome of the separate civil lawsuit filed by the student against the university and the individual fraternity members remains pending. A lawyer for Jane Doe did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the new independent investigation.