Cornell president acknowledges he knew about fraternity sexual assault but didn’t follow up
Summary
Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff said he knew about a sexual assault report from a student in November 2024 but did not follow up with her afterward. The university is facing criticism and calls for his resignation as a lawsuit alleges members of a fraternity sexually assaulted the student.Key Facts
- A student, called "Jane Doe" in court papers, said she was sexually assaulted by seven Chi Phi fraternity members in October 2024.
- The student reported the assault to Cornell University police in November 2024.
- Two fraternity members were expelled, two suspended, and one barred from campus; others got lighter punishments.
- None of the accused have criminal charges; the district attorney declined charges due to lack of evidence but will reopen the investigation.
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed State Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor for the case.
- President Kotlikoff apologized and said he was sorry the student experienced the assault.
- Kotlikoff did not know the student had dropped out until a lawsuit was filed last month.
- Cornell will suspend fraternity parties for the rest of the academic year and add sexual assault investigators to its police force.
- Cornell’s faculty senate may hold a vote of no confidence in Kotlikoff.
- A special independent review of the handling of the case is being led by Sally Yates, a former deputy attorney general.
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