News Wrap: Cornell says Sally Yates will review handling of sexual assault reports

Cornell University has appointed former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to lead an independent review of how the school handles sexual assault reports on campus. The review will focus on the university's response to a student's allegations of being gang-raped by multiple men during a fraternity party in October 2024. The student, referred to as Jane Doe, has filed a lawsuit against Cornell and seven fraternity members, claiming the university failed to adequately investigate and punish those involved.

According to the Daily Maverick and Investing.com, Yates will have "full independence" to conduct her review, which will include a detailed examination of Cornell's response to the student's claims. The investigation comes amid mounting scrutiny and student protests at the Ivy League school. A mass rally was held on Monday, with students voicing solidarity with Jane Doe and demanding that the school take firmer action against sexual violence on campus.

The review was announced by the Cornell University Board of Trustees, which has formed a Special Committee to oversee the process. The move is seen as an effort to address concerns about the university's handling of sexual assault cases. CBC News reports that the university trustees are trying to address an outpouring of anger over the allegations of a 2024 gang rape at a fraternity house.

Brief written by urgent.news from PBS NewsHour, Winnipeg Free Press, Daily Maverick, CBC News, Investing.com — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.