In brief
Cornell University has announced a ban on all parties held at fraternity houses, following a lawsuit by a 2024 sexual assault victim known as Jane Doe. President Michael Kotlikoff said the decision comes after criticism of the university’s and local prosecutors’ handling of the incident. The ban will end for the rest of the academic year, with violations resulting in suspension. Alongside this, Cornell will expand support for survivors, bring in national violence‑prevention experts, and allow trauma‑informed police to investigate campus assault claims.
Cornell University has banned all parties at fraternity houses. The decision follows a lawsuit filed by a woman known as Jane Doe, who alleged in 2024 that she was drugged and raped during a college fraternity party.
In a statement on Tuesday, President Michael Kotlikoff pledged “deeply sorry” for the harm suffered and called the assault appalling. He announced that any violation of the new policy will result in suspension.
The ban applies through the end of the school year and will be coupled with increased support for survivors, including additional staff to help survivors report misconduct and benefit from counseling services. Cornell will also bring in national experts on sexual‑violence prevention to examine campus safety and promote responsible sexual citizenship.
The university faced criticism for its handling of the case. State officials and local prosecutors, including Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten, were accused of providing limited evidence to the district attorney’s office and not conducting their own investigations.
In response, the university has agreed to let New York State Police’s trauma‑informed officers investigate claims on campus, preparing comprehensive reports for law enforcement. The New York Attorney General, Letitia James, has been appointed to investigate the matter.
