New York Governor Promises Review of Cornell Sexual Assault Investigation After Release of Redacted Panel Report
A heavily redacted Cornell disciplinary panel report and statements from the Tompkins County district attorney have reignited scrutiny of the university's handling of a 2024 alleged gang rape involving members of the Chi Phi fraternity.
A 99-page, heavily redacted document summarizing evidence from a Cornell University disciplinary panel was obtained by CNN. The report, which reflects testimony from more than 50 interviews, indicates that at least one fraternity member was found to have violated the school’s policy against sexual exploitation and sexual assault, while another was held responsible for attempted sexual exploitation. Sanctions included a no-contact order with the complainant, identified as “Jane Doe,” and a requirement to submit a reflection paper to the Title IX office.
Doe’s 2024 statement to Cornell police, obtained by CNN, describes being asked to join a threesome on October 19 at the Chi Phi house, initially consenting to some activity but later refusing additional acts because she was “unable to make any decisions because of how intoxicated I was.” She later characterized the subsequent encounters as coercive and stated she could say with “100% confidence” that she was raped. The Tompkins County District Attorney’s office, which declined to file criminal charges in 2024, says it never received a transcript of that police interview before making its decision. District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said he learned of the more explicit allegation this week and will investigate the statements fully.
University records show Doe initially described the incident to roommates without using the terms “rape” or “assault.” She later texted a participant that “90% of what happened that night was not consensional” and sought medical care, including an emergency-room visit and a rape kit on November 7. Doe’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, said she progressed from denial to acceptance of having been raped and criticized Cornell Health for not conducting a comprehensive forensic exam at the time.
Governor Kathy Hochul, responding to the emerging details, pledged to examine the university’s investigative processes and address any failures, stating that “students deserve a safe campus and a transparent response when allegations arise.”