Cornell University bans fraternity parties amid sexual assault lawsuit

Cornell University said it will prohibit parties and social events at fraternities for the remainder of the academic year and will integrate New York State Police criminal investigators into its campus police unit. The actions follow a civil lawsuit filed by a former student, identified as Jane Doe, who alleges she was drugged with ketamine and sexually assaulted by members of the Chi Phi fraternity during an October 2024 party.

President Michael I. Kotlikoff wrote to the campus community, expressing regret for the harm suffered by Doe and acknowledging concerns about safety. He said the university must "acknowledge where we have fallen short and take meaningful action." The administration also announced plans to expand bystander-training programs, increase staffing in the civil rights office to aid survivors, and involve external investigators in sexual-assault cases.

Student protesters who organized demonstrations last week welcomed the measures but called them insufficient. Sophomore John Hartnett described the ban as a "half measure" and warned that it does not address systemic issues. The faculty senate is set to consider a vote of no confidence in the administration, reflecting ongoing frustration among faculty.

Julia Chang, an associate professor of Hispanic studies, noted that trust on campus remains eroded and that the timing of the changes highlights the impact of student activism rather than administrative integrity. Consent-education organizer Ray Epstein called the steps a "win" but suggested the university is acting more to preserve its reputation than to prioritize student safety.

The university also plans to involve faculty experts on sexual assault to reform its Presidential Task Force on Sexual Assault through listening events with the campus community. The measures come after a Title IX investigation in 2025 that led to sanctions against several fraternity members.