Calls for Cornell president to resign during protests over gang rape allegation

Protesters at Cornell University in New York are demanding the resignation of the university president and a major overhaul of how sexual assault allegations are handled. The calls come following an allegation of gang rape by members of a fraternity in 2024. A student, identified as Jane Doe, has sued the university, seven former students, the fraternity and others, leading to a criminal investigation.

Hundreds of students, faculty and community members gathered at the Ithaca campus on Monday, holding purple ribbons and signs demanding justice for survivors and change in university policies. The protest was sparked by the mishandling of Jane Doe's case, which allegedly involved her being pressured to drink and take drugs before the alleged assault.

Students are particularly upset that the university did not provide proper consequences to the alleged perpetrators and did not accurately report the incident to prosecutors. Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed deep concern over the police's handling of the case and ordered the state's attorney-general to take over the investigation.

The administration at Cornell has denied claims that there were minimal consequences for the alleged assault.