Cornell halts fraternity parties and involves state police in campus sexual assault investigations

Cornell University announced on Tuesday that it will suspend all parties and social events at Interfraternity Council houses for the remainder of the 2026-27 academic year. President Michael Kotlikoff said the pause will allow a comprehensive review of fraternity life and determine how it can operate safely.

The university also introduced a "zero tolerance" policy that would trigger immediate emergency suspension of any chapter that violates its standards. Kotlikoff wrote that the steps are intended to provide time for a thorough assessment of Greek-life culture on campus.

In addition, Cornell will add a case manager to its Office of Civil Rights to assist students who report sexual misconduct and will work with the New York State Police, whose investigators are independent of the university, to handle allegations of sexual crimes. The move follows a lawsuit alleging that a female student was drugged and assaulted at a fraternity house in October 2024 and subsequent criticism of the campus police investigation, which had been turned over to the Tompkins County district attorney without resulting in charges.

The state attorney general, Letitia James, now leads the criminal investigation, while former Deputy U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates has been hired to conduct an independent review of Cornell's response. Kotlikoff said the university will also expand victim-advocate services, increase sexual-violence prevention programs, and develop alternative social options to Greek-life parties.

"We will take all necessary steps to address the conditions that led to Jane Doe's experiences, and those of other survivors," Kotlikoff said.

The announcement came ahead of a faculty-senate meeting scheduled to consider a resolution expressing no confidence in the administration's handling of sexual assault issues.