Cornell University President Michael I. Kotlikoff has stated that the institution “must do better” following a civil lawsuit that alleges a student was gang raped at a fraternity house in 2024. In an eight-minute video statement released on Saturday, Kotlikoff acknowledged public questions regarding the university’s handling of the sexual assault allegations.
“This is a defining moment in Cornell’s history,” Kotlikoff said. He admitted that while the university does not have all the answers, it remains committed to a thorough investigation. “What happened to Jane Doe in 2024 is deeply disturbing and will weigh heavily on our community for years to come,” he added, describing the events as raising troubling issues surrounding party culture, alcohol use, and dehumanization.
The lawsuit, filed last month by a former student identified as Jane Doe, alleges that she was drugged and repeatedly raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024 when she was 20 years old. According to the complaint, Jane Doe initially consented to sexual contact with two men she knew but alleges that as the night progressed, she was drugged and assaulted by multiple individuals, rendering her unable to consent. Attorneys for some of the accused former students have denied the accusations.
Jane Doe first reported the assault to Cornell University Police and Title IX investigators shortly after the incident, and also sought help from the campus health clinic. However, the Tompkins County district attorney recently declined to file criminal charges. The DA stated that he did not receive full transcripts from Jane Doe’s interview with campus police, in which she reportedly clearly stated she had been raped.
In response to the controversy, New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed State Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor last week and criticized the handling of the investigations. Kotlikoff expressed support for the governor’s decision and indicated that the university’s board of trustees would cooperate fully with the new legal proceedings.
Kotlikoff emphasized the need for cultural change within the university community. “As a community, we must foster a culture in which sexual assault is inexcusable and ensure our community is empowered and understands informed consent, body autonomy and prevention,” he said.
It’s infuriating that Jane Doe had to fight so hard for basic accountability. Justice should not be this difficult to achieve.
Appointing AG Letitia James was the right move. Academic institutions can’t investigate themselves fairly.
This isn’t just a Cornell issue; it reflects a broader crisis in Greek life culture. Systemic reform is desperately needed.
President Kotlikoff’s statement feels like PR damage control. I want to see concrete policy changes, not just words.
The DA’s failure to request full transcripts is alarming. How did this oversight happen at all?