Cornell suspends frat parties after alleged gang rape

Cornell University has abruptly suspended all fraternities, parties, and social events for the remainder of the 2024 academic year in response to an alleged gang rape at its Chi Phi fraternity. The incident, reported in a recent lawsuit, alleges that the victim, referred to as Jane Doe, was pressured to take ketamine, then assaulted and raped by seven fraternity members.

Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff apologized for the harm the accuser suffered and expressed shock at the sexual violence occurring within the university community. The suspension aims to allow a thorough review of fraternity life at Cornell to assess the safety of continuing such activities. Kotlikoff stated that zero tolerance will be enforced for any violations, with immediate emergency suspensions issued for any fraternity organizing in-house parties or events.

The university has appointed former top US prosecutor Sally Yates to conduct an independent review of its handling of the rape allegations. Critics argue that Cornell's initial response was too lenient, and thousands of students and faculty members have rallied for justice for the accuser, using signs like "Hold them accountable" and "Protect survivors." Protesters have also gathered in New York, Boston, and other US cities, with social media users sharing the hashtag #IAmJaneDoe.

Cornell named state Attorney General Letitia James to lead a reopened investigation into the alleged gang rape, following local authorities' decision not to prosecute in 2024 due to the complainant's testimony not establishing a lack of consent. The US Department of Justice reported that one in four female undergraduates experienced forced sexual contact or sexual contact without consent in 2020 according to a study by the Association of American Universities.

The Jed Foundation reported that men in fraternities, often criticized for fostering sexism, are more likely to commit sexual violence.