Cornell disputes light-punishment claims in drugging, assault case

Cornell University has denied allegations that students in a sexual assault lawsuit were allowed to lessen their punishment by submitting essays, calling the claim false and warning it could discourage survivors from speaking up. Addressing inquiries about the disciplinary actions taken against the accused students, the prestigious Ivy League institution stated that the notion of lenient punishments for those involved is incorrect.

"Continuing to propagate the false narrative that there were minimal consequences in this case is irresponsible, will make survivors feel less safe and supported, and will perpetuate the underreporting of sexual assault," the university declared in a Monday statement, which was sent to The Korea Times in response to a request for information.

The claim emerged following a lawsuit filed by a former Cornell student, referred to as Jane Doe, in New York this month. According to The Cornell Daily Sun, seven members of the school's Chi Phi fraternity were accused of drugging and sexually assaulting her in October 2024.