Cornell University has suspended parties at all fraternity houses for the rest of the academic year as it faces scrutiny over its handling of a sexual assault allegation. A woman identified as Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit last month, alleging she was drugged and sexually assaulted by multiple men at a Cornell fraternity party in 2024. The allegations have not been adjudicated, and the case involves separate questions about the university’s investigation and whether criminal charges were adequately pursued.
Cornell halts fraternity parties and adds survivor support
University President Michael Kotlikoff announced the measures on Tuesday, including an immediate suspension of fraternity parties. Students who violate the policy could be suspended, the university said.
Kotlikoff said he was “deeply sorry” for the harm Jane Doe says she suffered in 2024. He called the alleged sexual violence within the Cornell community shocking and acknowledged that women on campus continue to question whether they are safe. The university, he said, must confront shortcomings in its earlier response and take concrete steps.
Cornell also plans to add staff to support survivors of sexual assault, help people report harassment or assault, and coordinate services across support systems. Title IX, the federal law governing sex discrimination in education, requires colleges to provide support to people reporting sexual assault so they can continue their studies. Jane Doe’s lawyers have said she withdrew from the university after the alleged assault.
New York State police to assist with campus investigations
Cornell said trauma-informed New York State police officers will be allowed to take part in future investigations of campus sexual assault. For people seeking criminal prosecution, the officers will conduct interviews and prepare a “comprehensive investigative summary” for the appropriate law enforcement agency.
The arrangement is intended to change how reports are handled and referred. Cornell’s communication of information about Jane Doe’s allegations to the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office had drawn criticism from state officials and others. Hundreds of documents from the university’s investigation into the case have become publicly available.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said his office received only a six-page statement signed by the victim and some Snapchat messages in 2024. The messages showed men at the party promoting “free sexual access” to Jane Doe, he said.
Van Houten did not file criminal charges against those involved and did not personally interview the complainant or witnesses, decisions that also drew criticism. A state-level investigation is now underway. Public information has not indicated that criminal charges have been filed; questions of responsibility remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
Fraternity culture adds to pressure on campus oversight
Fraternities have long been part of US college life, generally operating as social organizations for male students. Members may live, study and socialize in fraternity houses. The organizations have also faced longstanding criticism over heavy drinking, parties and dangerous initiation practices.
Jane Doe’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, said the civil lawsuit seeks to push Cornell to improve campus conditions and its handling of sexual assault allegations. He said the university’s newly announced steps could help achieve that goal, but came too late to protect Jane Doe from the alleged harm.
Kotlikoff said Cornell will bring in national experts on sexual violence prevention to examine factors contributing to sexual violence on campus and assess how to encourage more responsible sexual conduct. He described the current measures as a first step toward systemic change. For students and families, key questions include whether the party suspension is enforced, whether people reporting assault receive timely support, and how university investigative materials are transferred to criminal law enforcement.