Cornell bans fraternity parties for academic year after sexual assault allegations
Cornell University has banned fraternity parties and social events through the 2026–27 academic year amid criticism of its handling of a former student’s sexual assault allegations. It also announced a role for New York State Police in campus investigations and expanded support for survivors.
bbc.comCornell bans all fraternity parties over gang sex assault allegations
aljazeera.comCornell suspends fraternity parties after alleged campus gang rape case
npr.orgCornell University bans frat parties, vows to address 'disturbing' campus culture
Fraternity events suspended
Cornell University announced Tuesday that all parties and social events at fraternity houses would be suspended through the 2026–27 academic year. President Michael I Kotlikoff said any fraternity chapter violating the ban would face an immediate suspension under a new “zero-tolerance” policy.
Kotlikoff said the restrictions would allow a thorough review of fraternity life to determine “whether and how it can safely continue.” The announcement followed criticism of Cornell’s handling of allegations that a student was sexually assaulted at a fraternity house in 2024.
The allegations and university response
The former student, identified as Jane Doe, filed a civil lawsuit last month against Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity and seven members. She alleges they drugged and gang raped her during a party on October 19, 2024.
After her initial allegations, Cornell shut down the fraternity and temporarily suspended the accused students; two were later expelled. Critics said the response was too lenient, and the university launched an independent review of its handling of the case led by a former senior US prosecutor.
Changes to investigations
Kotlikoff announced a role for trauma-informed New York State Police investigators in campus sexual assault cases. He said the officers would interview survivors who want to pursue criminal charges and prepare investigative summaries for the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Cornell has also faced criticism over what it shared with prosecutors about Doe’s allegations. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said his office received only a six-page statement signed by Doe and Snapchat messages in 2024. State officials criticised his decision not to bring charges or interview victims and witnesses himself, and Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James to investigate the case.
Support for survivors
Cornell plans to add a dedicated case manager and victim advocates, expand sexual violence prevention programmes and strengthen education encouraging bystanders to intervene. Kotlikoff said the university must also confront excessive drinking and drug use on campus.
Doe’s lawyer, Thomas Giuffra, said she brought the lawsuit to improve Cornell’s response to abuse claims. He described the announced steps as helpful but “too late to protect Ms. Doe,” who he said dropped out after the alleged assault.
