Cornell Announces Independent Review Amid Claims of Alleged Rape Cover-Up
A former deputy attorney general will lead a review into how Cornell handles sexual misconduct complaints, school officials said.
Cornell University has announced a thorough review of its policies and responses to sexual misconduct, following allegations of a cover-up surrounding an alleged rape at the Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024. The probe will be led by former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, who brings extensive experience and impartiality to the investigation.
The review will examine Cornell's prevention and response policies, the handling of reports, disciplinary decisions, and the role of campus police. Yates' appointment comes after an anonymous caller alerted Cornell police that fraternity members attempted to silence a potential witness, and subsequent questioning by investigators revealed potential group messaging about the situation.
Seven men named in the lawsuit have denied the sexual assault allegations. The controversy has sparked national discussions about violence against women on college campuses, with high-profile figures like actress Florence Pugh and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez weighing in. Cornell University President Anne Meinig Smalling emphasized the importance of a rigorous examination of the university's handling of the situation, as well as its overall approach to preventing and responding to sexual misconduct.
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