Cornell students stage anti-rape rally

On Monday, a large gathering of Cornell University students took to the streets to show support for a classmate who accused members of a campus fraternity of gang-raping her, an allegation that has caused a nationwide stir. The protesters demanded that Cornell's administration take more decisive action against sexual violence on campus.

The alleged victim, known only as Jane Doe, has stated that the university did not conduct a thorough investigation or punish the involved fraternity members adequately. Demonstrators also called for Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff and other members of his administration to resign, asserting that their policies have fostered a "culture of rape" on campus.

Jane Doe filed a lawsuit last month, alleging that she was drugged and sexually assaulted by several Chi Phi fraternity members after becoming incapacitated in October 2024. She named seven Chi Phi members as defendants, along with the fraternity chapter, a local bar, her sorority, and the university. Despite her initial report to police, local prosecutors chose not to charge anyone, leading New York Governor Kathy Hochul to appoint special prosecutor Letitia James to take over a re-opened criminal investigation.

The demonstration, which saw several hundred students, faculty supporters, and community activists march through Cornell's Ho Plaza, demanded accountability and justice for Jane Doe.