Students at Cornell University have taken to the campus plaza in protest, voicing their dissatisfaction over the institution’s handling of serious sexual assault allegations involving members of the Chi Phi fraternity. The demonstrations, which escalated into property damage, saw students knocking holes in the glass doors of the main administration building and spray-painting messages that denounced the patriarchy and criticized the university’s response to the allegations. For more details, see this report.
Many protesters wore purple ribbons as a symbol of support for survivors, carrying signs with messages such as “support survivors, expel rapists” and “Justice 4 every Jane Doe,” alluding to the anonymous student at the heart of the allegations. The student body has been vocal in their demand for the resignation of Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff, accusing him of valuing the university’s reputation over the safety and well-being of its students.
In response to the uproar, Cornell expelled certain students and suspended others following an internal investigation, while permanently banning the Chi Phi fraternity’s Xi chapter from continuing on campus. University spokesperson Kyle Kimball disapproved of the property damage, and President Kotlikoff has expressed his support for an independent audit of the university’s procedures regarding the case, promising increased transparency. Further information is available from original coverage.
The controversy stems from an October 2024 incident in which the student, referred to as Jane Doe in legal documents, reported being assaulted by seven fraternity members following the consumption of alcohol and ketamine at the fraternity house. Although the Tompkins County District Attorney initially declined to press charges due to insufficient evidence, the investigation was reopened after Doe filed a civil lawsuit against the university and the fraternity.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has intervened, raising concerns about the initial handling of the investigation and appointing Attorney General Letitia James as the special prosecutor to ensure a comprehensive review. Her actions underscore the need for an exhaustive investigation into the allegations brought forth by Doe through her civil suit, which accuses Cornell of failing to adequately discipline the accused and protect her. This case continues to unfold as a criminal inquiry is prepared for presentation to a grand jury. These developments have been covered by JURIST – News.