Cornell University President Michael I. Kotlikoff stated in a video message on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, that the university administration "must do better" regarding its 2024 investigation into a student's allegations of rape at a fraternity house. Kotlikoff announced the school will hire an outside law firm to conduct an independent review of Cornell's handling of the matter. The university also expressed support for a criminal investigation led by the New York State Attorney General’s office.
The case involves a former student, identified as Jane Doe, who filed a lawsuit last month against Cornell and seven men. She alleged she was drugged and raped in October 2024 at the Chi Phi fraternity. In 2024, the Tompkins County District Attorney’s office declined to file criminal charges, citing insufficient evidence. However, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and State Attorney General Letitia James questioned the original probe after reports indicated prosecutors did not receive a full transcript of the student’s police interview.
Records obtained by the New York Times indicate that in November 2024, the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office declined to review additional evidence gathered by campus police beyond a six-page sworn statement. Cornell’s internal Title IX investigation resulted in the expulsion of two students and the suspension of two others. One accused student graduated before punishment could be applied, and two were found not responsible for sexual misconduct. Four of the accused men stated their interactions were consensual, while others denied participating.
The civil lawsuit names seven former students as defendants, and the internal university investigation reviewed more than 50 interviews. The university’s disciplinary actions—two expulsions and two suspensions—directly impacted the academic careers of four individuals. Cornell's Interfraternity Council presidents unanimously voted to cancel social fraternity events during the weekend of Oct. 3, 2026.
Kotlikoff said the university will create opportunities for community members, including parents, to engage with school leadership in the coming weeks. A demonstration organized by Students for a Democratic Cornell and other groups was planned for Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. Gov. Hochul and campus leaders signaled support for legislative changes to close a legal standard that makes it difficult to prosecute sexual assault cases where a victim voluntarily consumed drugs or alcohol.
Kotlikoff said the Cornell Board of Trustees would announce details of the independent review during the week of Oct. 5, 2026. State Attorney General Letitia James has opened a criminal investigation, though no specific court dates or deadlines for that probe have been reported.