Students vandalize Cornell building over handling of gang-rape allegations

Cornell's main administration building was vandalized overnight with spray-painted graffiti and a glass door shattered, following a student protest over the university's handling of a 2024 fraternity-house gang rape case. Red-painted messages on the building condemned patriarchy and the university's approach to sexual assaults, according to news reports.

Cornell spokesperson Kyle Kimball stated that the university was investigating, adding that "damaging property is not the answer" to expressing frustration and strong emotions.

A coalition of student groups organized a "Justice for Survivors" demonstration in the late afternoon, demanding changes in the university's process for handling sexual assault complaints and harsher penalties for those involved in the alleged incident at the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024. A then-sophomore, known as Jane Doe, alleged that she was sexually assaulted by multiple men in the fraternity house after being pressured to drink and take drugs.

Jane Doe recently filed a lawsuit against the university, seven former students, the fraternity, and others, alleging that she became fully incapacitated during the assault and that one man coordinated the actions of the others.

Two of the former students' lawyers denied involvement in the sexual assault. The Associated Press attempted to contact the other men or their representatives but was unsuccessful. Court records show that some accused students, when interviewed by Cornell investigators, claimed the sexual activity was consensual. Despite the ongoing investigation, no criminal charges have been filed.

The Chi Phi chapter was disbanded, and the university expelled and suspended several students following the incident. Cornell's administration expressed anger at the "false narrative" that consequences for the accused parties were minimal. Students and New York Governor Kathy Hochul have called for greater accountability and transparency, with Hochul appointing the state attorney general to take over a criminal investigation that had been reopened by Van Houten. Hochul also called for an independent review of Cornell's handling of the case.

In response to the developments, Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff released an apologetic video, acknowledging that Jane Doe's account raises "heartbreaking and troubling issues" about sexual assault, dehumanization, and aspects of party culture, alcohol, and drug use. Kotlikoff reaffirmed his support for an independent review and pledged increased transparency and a commitment to uncovering the answers the community deserves.