Cornell University announced on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, that former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates will lead an independent review of the school's handling of sexual misconduct complaints. Yates, currently a partner at the law firm King & Spalding, has been granted independence by a Special Committee of the Board of Trustees to evaluate how the university prevents and responds to reports of sexual assault on campus.
The appointment follows a lawsuit filed last month by a student identified as Jane Doe, who alleged she was assaulted by multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024. The lawsuit claims the university failed to adequately investigate or punish those involved after Doe reported she was drugged and assaulted while incapacitated. Cornell has defended its response, noting it shut down the fraternity chapter and issued sanctions, including expulsions, against certain members.
Yates' review will include an examination of the university’s response to the 2024 allegations. The university's announcement occurs amid recent campus activity, including a student rally held on Monday, October 5, 2026, in support of Jane Doe. Additionally, New York Attorney General Letitia James was tasked last week with a separate review to determine if criminal charges are warranted, following a local prosecutor's prior decision not to bring charges.
The review addresses the safety protocols and rights of students who report sexual violence at the institution. By hiring Yates, who previously led a misconduct investigation for the U.S. Soccer Federation, the university is subjecting its internal disciplinary and Title IX processes to outside scrutiny involving a former high-ranking federal official who served under the Obama administration.
For the Ithaca, New York, campus, the review will involve an audit of how the university manages sexual assault reports. This includes a review of how the school handles evidence, protects the rights of the accused, and provides support for complainants. While the cost of the King & Spalding contract was not reported, university president Michael Kotlikoff described the situation as a "defining moment" for the school. The university has not yet announced when Yates will begin her work or the specific date her final recommendations will be delivered to the Board of Trustees.