New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced a significant shift in how sexual assault reports at Cornell University will be handled. Under a new agreement, the State Police will now take responsibility for investigating these cases, a move intended to ensure thorough and professional handling of such sensitive matters. This decision followed scrutiny over the handling of a 2024 assault case involving a woman known as Jane Doe, whose lawsuit prompted the review and subsequent action by the Governor. Details from JURIST reveal that the Tompkins County district attorney’s initial decision not to bring charges in the Doe case is being reconsidered as a result of the lawsuit.
Governor Hochul made it clear that when someone reports sexual assault, they should feel assured that their allegations will receive rigorous attention by law enforcement professionals equipped to support survivors. This new protocol specifies that all reports typically handled by campus police will go directly to the State Police for criminal investigation, unless otherwise requested by the complainant.
Cornell University acknowledges this change, stating in a message from President Michael Kotlikoff that the agreement is effective immediately. According to the arrangement, anyone wishing to pursue charges can choose whether the State Police or campus police should take the lead. The State Police, in cases under their jurisdiction, will oversee the investigation and determine if charges should be brought to prosecutors, with help from campus officials as necessary for records and assistance. Students may also report incidents to Ithaca police or the Tompkins County sheriff, maintaining their freedom to decide how to proceed.
This agreement will remain in place as an independent evaluation of Cornell’s policies and handling of sexual misconduct is underway, spearheaded by former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates. Her review will extend to how the university handled Jane Doe’s case and aims to scrutinize the institution’s response mechanisms comprehensively.
Emphasizing the importance of trust, Governor Hochul stated that survivors must have faith in the institutions tasked with their protection, underscoring the crucial role of these bodies in providing justice and support. This initiative by the Governor represents a focused effort to enhance the response to sexual assault allegations and ensure victim-centered justice.