Cornell President Announces Review of Greek Life After Rape Lawsuit

Cornell University said it will examine the function of fraternities and sororities on its Ithaca campus after a civil lawsuit alleged that a student was drugged and raped in 2024 by several members of the Chi Phi fraternity. President Michael Kotlikoff told students in a video message that the university will take a “serious look at the role of fraternities and sororities in campus life.”

Kotlikoff acknowledged that while Greek organizations can offer friendship and mentorship, “being part of a group can never diminish individual responsibility.” He said the school will seek input from students, alumni and other stakeholders to preserve positive aspects of Greek life while improving accountability, transparency and safety.

The lawsuit accuses Cornell of failing to adequately punish some of the accused men, who have denied wrongdoing. The university responded that it conducted a comprehensive investigation, barred the Chi Phi chapter from campus and imposed disciplinary measures, including expulsions. Kotlikoff added that the university must do better and pledged greater transparency, promising to create additional opportunities for the community to ask questions and hear directly from university leaders in the coming weeks.