Cornell students rally over alleged gang rape

Cornell University students gathered in large numbers on Monday, expressing support for a classmate who alleged a gang-rape incident that has sparked national attention. The demonstrators demanded the school take stronger action against sexual violence, including an external investigation into the university's handling of the case, uniform minimum punishments for all sexual assaults, and improved training for campus police.

The alleged victim, known as Jane Doe, claims that the university did not adequately investigate and punish the fraternity members involved, some of whom were allegedly impaired by drugs and alcohol. Jane Doe filed a lawsuit last month, naming seven Chi Phi fraternity members, the fraternity chapter, a local bar, her sorority, and Cornell itself as defendants.

She reported the assault to the police, but the prosecutor declined to bring criminal charges. Cornell subsequently shut down the Chi Phi chapter and imposed various disciplinary actions on the involved fraternity members, though all denied any wrongdoing. The allegations have led to threats against Doe and her lawyer, prompting public outcry, and Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff has pledged to examine the role of fraternities and sororities on campus.