Cornell disputes light-punishment claims in drugging, assault case

New York state prosecutors are reopening a criminal inquiry into an alleged gang rape that occurred at Cornell University in 2024. The victim, referred to in court documents as Jane Doe, filed a civil lawsuit on September 16, alleging she was drugged and raped by multiple individuals at a fraternity house on Cornell's campus.

According to prosecutors, the investigation will be handled through a grand jury, with the DA stating that once appropriate charges are determined, they will be prosecuted in the most objective and impartial manner possible. Cornell University expressed support for the case being brought before a grand jury, but denied any suggestion that it did not impose significant punishments on those involved.

Jane Doe alleges that on the night of October 19, 2024, seven men from Cornell's Chi Phi fraternity chapter allegedly assaulted her in an incident involving alcohol and the drug ketamine. She claims she was intoxicated during the incident and incapable of providing consent. Jane Doe reported the incident to Cornell University Police on November 8, 2024.

Prosecutors concluded that the evidence from the victim's statement to authorities did not meet the legal threshold for charges at the time. However, they have now reached out to Jane Doe and her lawyers for more information as they prepare to present the case to a grand jury.

In her lawsuit, Jane Doe alleges that Cornell University did not protect her and adequately punish the men involved, noting that they were offered the opportunity to mitigate their conduct by submitting essays. The university disputes these allegations, stating that a panel of trained faculty and staff issued a range of sanctions, including expulsions and suspensions, but did not offer the opportunity for individuals to write essays as a sole consequence.