Cornell University President Michael I. Kotlikoff stated on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, that the university "must do better" following allegations that a student was drugged and raped at a fraternity house in 2024. In an eight-minute video message, Kotlikoff described the incident as "deeply disturbing" and supported a new criminal investigation led by the New York attorney general.
The statement follows a civil lawsuit filed last month by a former student, identified as Jane Doe, against Cornell and seven men. The lawsuit alleges that on Oct. 19, 2024, the then-20-year-old student was assaulted for hours by members of the Chi Phi fraternity in an incident involving alcohol and the drug ketamine. Although university police investigated after she reported the matter in November 2024, no criminal charges were filed at the time.
Kotlikoff announced that Cornell’s board of trustees will name an outside law firm next week to conduct an independent review of how the university handled the case. The university had previously conducted a Title IX investigation; according to related reporting cited by the sources, that probe resulted in two students being expelled and two suspended, while two others were found not responsible and one had graduated.
The fallout has highlighted procedural disputes between local and state officials. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten stated he was never provided the full transcript of the victim's two-day police interview in 2024, receiving only a six-page summary. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul subsequently appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to lead the criminal probe. Students at a recent public hearing expressed that the administration needs to change "drastically and fast," suggesting that the university's fraternity system will face increased scrutiny.
Next steps include the announcement of the independent law firm during the week of Oct. 5, 2026. The university also plans to hold meetings for community members and parents to question leadership.