Cornell suspends fraternity parties for rest of academic year amid sexual assault controversy

Cornell University has suspended all parties and social events at fraternity houses for the remainder of the 2026-27 academic year. This decision comes in the wake of growing concern over the university's handling of a sexual assault allegation against a female student at a fraternity house in 2024. The university's announcement, made by President Michael Kotlikoff on Tuesday, also includes a new "zero tolerance" policy for fraternity violations, which would lead to an immediate emergency suspension of a chapter.

To facilitate a comprehensive review of fraternity life at Cornell, Kotlikoff committed to adding a case manager to the Office of Civil Rights. This new role will assist those who report sexual misconduct on campus in navigating the processes. Additionally, the university plans to collaborate with the New York State Police, allowing their trauma-informed criminal investigators to handle allegations independently of Cornell University. Currently, these investigations are conducted by the Cornell University Police.