Cornell president says university ‘must do better’ after frat house rape allegations

Cornell University's president, Michael Kotlikoff, expressed the school's commitment to improving its handling of the recent allegations of rape and drug use at a fraternity house. In an eight-minute video statement, Kotlikoff referred to the allegations made by Jane Doe, a 20-year-old Cornell student, as "deeply disturbing." The incident allegedly took place on October 19, 2024, involving seven men from the Chi Phi fraternity, ketamine, and alcohol.

Kotlikoff stressed that Cornell must "do better" and that the school administration and community need to foster a culture where sexual assault is unacceptable. He also acknowledged that the university needs to create an environment where victims feel safe coming forward and are treated with compassion and dignity. The president called the situation a "defining moment" in the university's history and emphasized the need for the university to lead the way in addressing these issues.

The video statement highlighted the need for a serious examination of the role of fraternities and sororities in campus life, and the importance of individual responsibility in treating others and speaking up when someone may be at risk. Kotlikoff also announced that the school would speak about how Cornell will use this moment and the conversation to help combat sexual assault not only on its campus but beyond it.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her deep concern over the investigation and appointed New York Attorney General Letitia James to lead a review of the case. Kotlikoff also supported the decision to appoint James as the lead investigator and welcomed an independent review of Cornell's handling of the matter. Jane Doe's lawsuit alleges that she was intoxicated during the incident and could not provide consent.