Cornell Halts Fraternity Parties After Jane Doe’s Lawsuit
In addition to suspending social events at frat houses, the university will allow state police to investigate reported sexual assaults on campus.
Cornell University announced on Tuesday that it will halt fraternity parties for the remainder of the academic year in an effort to enhance campus safety following a series of public protests over its handling of a 2024 alleged gang rape incident involving fraternity members. President Michael I. Kotlikoff addressed the backlash in a letter to the campus community, committed to improving the handling of sexual assault allegations and transforming the social culture at the university.
The ban comes a month after Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit against Cornell, the Chi Phi fraternity, and seven fraternity members, alleging sexual assault in 2024. Kotlikoff expressed regret for the harm caused to Jane Doe and pledged to take "meaningful and lasting change" at Cornell and other campuses. The university's Board of Trustees appointed former U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates to lead an independent review into the handling of the 2024 case.
Cornell will also cooperate with the New York State Police in investigating survivors who decide to pursue criminal charges and conduct comprehensive investigative summaries for law enforcement agencies. Interfraternity Council houses will be barred from hosting parties and social events, with a "zero tolerance" policy for any violations, leading to immediate emergency suspensions.
Additional measures include strengthening support for survivors, enhancing educational programming to address the bystander effect, and fostering a safer social culture on campus.
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