New York attorney general to review Cornell’s response to rape allegations as local DA reopens investigation
Daftar Isi
New York AG Reviews Cornell Response to Rape Allegations
Activelifezero.com – New York attorney general to review Cornell University’s response to rape allegations after a former student filed a civil lawsuit alleging she was drugged and sexually assaulted at a fraternity house in Ithaca in October 2024. The Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office has also reopened its examination of the case and plans to seek a grand jury review.
The 101-page lawsuit was filed by a woman identified as Jane Doe. It names Cornell University, the Chi Phi fraternity and seven fraternity members among more than a dozen defendants. The complaint includes claims of negligence, breach of contract, sexual assault and battery, and violations of New York’s Human Rights Law.
Doe alleges she could not consent to sexual activity at the Chi Phi house on October 19, 2024. The allegations have renewed questions about how colleges, police and prosecutors handle reports of sexual violence involving students.
District attorney reopens investigation
The Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office said it reopened the matter after community members urged officials to revisit the earlier decision not to file criminal charges against the seven fraternity members. Prosecutors said they will seek a grand jury review.
District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said charges were not brought in 2024 because key allegations in the newly filed lawsuit had not been reported to Cornell police at that time. Doe’s attorney disputes that explanation, arguing Cornell authorities received the information promptly and that the earlier report did not materially differ from the civil complaint.
A reopened investigation does not establish criminal liability or guarantee charges. During a grand jury review, prosecutors present available evidence and may ask jurors to decide whether there is sufficient basis for criminal charges.
State review is separate from civil case
A spokesperson for Attorney General Letitia James said the office is reviewing Cornell’s response to the allegations. The New York attorney general to review process is distinct from both the local criminal investigation and Doe’s civil lawsuit.
The complaint says Doe, then 20, went to the Chi Phi house to see a friend who belonged to the fraternity. It alleges that she had consumed alcohol before arriving and was then given more alcohol and pressured to snort a substance described as ketamine.
According to the lawsuit, Doe was sexually assaulted while unable to consent. It also alleges that a fraternity member sent a message to a Snapchat group called “Chi Phi Actives” that encouraged other chapter members to enter the room. The defendants have not been convicted of any crime in connection with the allegations.
Accused students deny wrongdoing
An attorney for one accused fraternity member said his client did not commit wrongdoing and never sexually assaulted or touched Doe. An attorney for another student said that student participated in the Snapchat discussion cited in the complaint but denied taking part in sexual activity or drug use.
The New York attorney general to review Cornell’s actions adds a state-level inquiry to the renewed attention on the case. Cornell’s response, the district attorney’s review and the civil claims remain separate legal and institutional matters.
FAQ: Cornell Case and New York Review
What is the New York attorney general reviewing?
The attorney general’s office said it is reviewing Cornell University’s response to the rape allegations. The office has not publicly detailed the scope or outcome of that review.
Has anyone been criminally charged?
The Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office previously did not bring charges and has now reopened its review. Prosecutors said they intend to seek a grand jury review, which does not itself mean charges will be filed.
What does the civil lawsuit allege?
The lawsuit alleges that Doe was drugged and sexually assaulted at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024 and asserts claims against Cornell, the fraternity and multiple individual defendants. The defendants have denied wrongdoing through attorneys.
