Hundreds of Cornell University students protested on Monday over the school's response to an alleged October 2024 gang rape. The unrest, which included damage to the administration building, prompted New York Governor Kathy Hochul to assign the state attorney general to lead the criminal investigation.
The September 16 Lawsuit and the "Cornell 7"
A civil lawsuit filed on September 16 by a woman identified as Jane Doe alleges she was sexually assaulted by multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity after being incapacitated by drugs and alcohol. According to records reviewed by The Associated Press, Jane Doe told Cornell investigators that she felt like "bait" and described the experience as having "lions" around her. The lawsuit names seven former students—now referred to by some as the "Cornell 7"—alongside the university, the fraternity, and her own sorority.
Evidence in the case includes a recorded phone call between Jane Doe and one of the accused men. As reported by ABC News, the recording captures the man suggesting a three-person encounter and claiming Jane Doe agreed, while she countered that too many people were in the room. While some of the accused students told Cornell investigators that the activity was consensual, Jane Doe maintains she was too intoxicated to provide consent.
Smashed Glass and the "Justice for Survivors" Rally
The "Justice for Survivors" protest on Monday followed an overnight attack on Cornell University's main administration building. news media photos showed smashed windows, holes knocked into glass doors,and red graffiti condemning patriarchy and the university's handling of sexual assault.. While Cornell spokesperson Kyle Kimball stated that property damage is not the answer to student frustration, the demonstration grew into a call for the resignation of Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff.
Protesters accused the administration of prioritizing the university's reputation and donor relations over survivor safety. Students wore purple ribbons and carried signs demanding the expulsion of rapists, arguing that the university's internal processes are designed to shield the institution from bad publicity rather than provide justice for victims.
Governor Kathy Hochul's Order to the State Attorney General
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has intervened in the case, appointing the state attorney general to take over the criminal investigation. This move follows a period of perceived inaction by local District Attorney Matthew Van Houten, who had only reopened the probe days before the governor's intervention. Governor Hochul explicitly stated that Jane Doe was failed by both the local DA and the Cornell police.
Beyond the immediate investigation, Governor Hochul has vowed to pursue changes to rape laws tied to the specifics of this case. This state-level intervention signals a lack of confidence in the ability of Cornell University and local Ithaca authorities to handle allegations involving high-status student groups.
Three Decades of Unconvicted Rapes at Cornell
The current outcry is part of a larger pattern of alleged institutional failure at Cornell University. During the Monday protests, speakers claimed that dozens of alleged rapes have occurred on campus over the last 30 years, yet almost none have resulted in criminal convictions. This systemic issue has led legal experts to draw parallels between the Cornell case and the high-profile scandals involving Hockey Canada.
The frustration stems from the gap between university sanctions and legal accountability. While the Cornell administration has shut down the Chi Phi chapter and expelled or suspended some students, these are administrative penalties. The lack of criminal charges for the "Cornell 7" has fueled the narrative that the university protects elite students from the legal consequences of their actions.
The Gap Between Title IX Sanctions and Criminal Charges
A critical point of contention remains the discrepancy between the university's Title IX findings and the lack of criminal indictments. because federal law requires schools to conduct Title IX proceedings regardless of police action, Cornell has imposed its own sanctions, but these cannot include jail time or criminal records. It remains unclear why the local District Attorney's office did not file charges sooner despite the existence of the recorded phone call mentioned by ABC News.
Further questions persist regarding the full scope of the state attorney general's mandate.. It is not yet known if the state will investigate other historical cases mentioned by protesters or if the probe will be limited strictly to the October 2024 incident. Additionally, the university has not disclosed the specific evidence that led to the expulsion of some students but not others.
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