Cornell University announced the suspension of all fraternity parties and social events for the rest of the year in response to allegations of sexual assault dating back to 2024.
Jane Doe alleges she was sexually assaulted and plied with drugs on October 19-20, 2024.
Cornell bans all fraternity parties over gang sex assault allegations https://t.co/t5ACsGjaRb
On October 13, 2026, Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit detailing her allegations. The same day, Letitia James was appointed to oversee the case. Also on that date, Sally Yates was tasked with leading an independent review of how the university has handled harassment complaints.
Kotlikoff would direct trauma-informed investigators to review campus assault allegations.
Cornell University announced the suspension of fraternity parties and social events for the rest of the year, citing the need to address the allegations. The decision was made public alongside word that President Michael I. Kotlikoff would direct trauma-informed investigators to review campus assault allegations.
After a former student alleged she was gang raped at a fraternity house on campus in 2024, Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff announced on Tuesday that all parties and social events at fraternity houses are suspended for the rest of year while the university considers whether fraternity life can continue at the Ivy League school. Read more: https://t.co/InqaHrxQvz
Parallel to the party ban, Kotlikoff said trauma-informed investigators would review the university’s handling of assault claims. Simultaneously, an independent review of Cornell’s response to harassment would be conducted under Sally Yates’s leadership.
Both Cornell University and Matthew Van Houten have defended their investigations.
In the wake of the sexual assault investigation at Cornell, the school announced it's suspended all parties and social events at fraternity houses for the rest of the year as it weighs the continuation of fraternities at Cornell. @AaronKatersky reports. https://t.co/pQsnjI1Aku https://t.co/3ytSam5tW9
President Michael I. Kotlikoff addressed the community with a series of statements. He said, "It is clear that women on our campus continue to question whether they are safe," and called the suspension "first steps toward systemic change on our campus." He added, "We will take all necessary steps to address the conditions that led to Jane Doe’s experiences, and those of other survivors," and expressed personal regret: "I am deeply sorry for the harm Jane Doe suffered in 2024, and appalled that this act of sexual violence occurred within our Cornell community."
As of the recent announcements, fraternity parties remain suspended, the lawsuit proceeds under the oversight of Letitia James, and the independent review led by Sally Yates is underway.