Cornell suspends frat parties after gang rape case
Cornell said no parties will be held at frat houses until the end of the academic year. The university is trying to mend its reputation following its handling of a gang rape case in 2024.
Cornell University has suspended all frat parties until the end of the 2026/27 academic year following a gang rape allegation from October 2024. A woman claimed she was drugged and sexually assaulted by multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity during a party. The university's response to the allegations has drawn criticism nationwide.
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff announced new measures, including a zero-tolerance policy for violations, which would lead to immediate chapter suspensions. University officials stated the aim is to review fraternity life and develop safe social alternatives. Cornell is also adding a case manager to its Office of Civil Rights to assist those reporting sexual misconduct and is collaborating with New York State Police for an independent investigation.
The 2024 case was initially handled by campus police, who passed findings to the district attorney, who declined to prosecute, sparking widespread criticism. The woman filed a lawsuit in September, alleging she was drugged and assaulted by several fraternity members after attending a Chi Phi party. All seven men named in the lawsuit deny the allegations.
The case has now been handed over to New York Attorney General Letitia James, with the university's response to be reviewed by former Deputy US Attorney General Sally Yates.
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