Cornell University halts fraternity house parties through 2026-27 academic year
Cornell announced a suspension of all parties at fraternity houses until the end of the 2026/27 academic year and introduced new safety measures following a 2024 sexual assault case involving the Chi Phi fraternity.
Cornell University said on Tuesday that it will suspend all parties at fraternity houses until the end of the 2026/27 academic year. The decision follows a 2024 incident in which a woman alleged she was drugged and sexually assaulted by multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity. University President Michael Kotlikoff said the pause will allow a thorough review of fraternity life and help determine how to maintain safety on campus.
The university introduced a "zero tolerance" policy that could lead to immediate suspension of a chapter for violations. It also plans to hold discussions with students and faculty experts on developing safer social alternatives to traditional Greek-life parties, and will allocate funding to support these initiatives. Kotlikoff announced the addition of a case manager to the Office of Civil Rights to assist individuals reporting sexual misconduct.
Campus police, which have full law-enforcement authority, will continue investigations, but Cornell will cooperate with New York State Police to enable an independent inquiry. The original investigation by campus police was passed to the Tompkins County district attorney, who chose not to prosecute, a decision that drew criticism. The case is now under the jurisdiction of New York Attorney General Letitia James, and the university’s response will be reviewed by former Deputy U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates.