Cornell President Says He Knew of Assault Report but Did Not Follow Up

Cornell University president Michael Kotlikoff told the New York Times that he became aware in November 2024 that a student, identified in court documents as “Jane Doe,” had reported being sexually assaulted at a fraternity house, but he did not follow up with her in the months after learning of the allegation. He also said he was unaware that the student had left Cornell until she filed a civil lawsuit last month.

Kotlikoff expressed regret, stating, "The fact that Jane Doe experienced what she experienced at Cornell is something that I am personally sorry for. I think this entire campus is sorry that occurred. I've heard enough from the community that there is a loss of trust. People are angry. I understand that anger."

The lawsuit, filed in October 2024, accuses seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity of assaulting the student at a party. All defendants deny the allegations, and no criminal charges have been filed. Cornell’s internal investigation resulted in two expulsions, two suspensions, and a campus ban for a graduate; the remaining men received no-contact orders and were required to write reflection papers.

The Tompkins County district attorney initially declined to prosecute, citing insufficient evidence, but later announced a reopening of the investigation. New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor.

In response to the controversy, Kotlikoff highlighted a presidential task force on campus sexual assault and said the university now has more information about the case. He welcomed Hochul’s decision to involve James.

Later that day, Cornell announced it would suspend all parties at fraternity houses for the rest of the academic year and add experienced sexual-assault investigators to work with campus police. The university’s board of trustees also retained former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to lead an independent review of its policies on sexual harassment and assault.

Cornell’s faculty senate is expected to hold a rare vote of no confidence in Kotlikoff later this month.