Full Breakdown
Cornell University and Chi Phi Fraternity Face Lawsuit Over Alleged 2024 Gang Rape
By Drooid · · How we work
Alleged Assault and Lawsuit
In mid-September 2024 a former Cornell student, “Jane Doe,” filed a civil suit in the New York Supreme Court alleging she was drugged and repeatedly sexually assaulted by members of the Chi Phi fraternity’s Xi chapter. Doe, 20, traveled over 1,000 miles to attend Cornell and entered the fraternity house alone after a sorority-hosted night out. The complaint says she was pressured to snort a powder believed to be ketamine, given high-proof liquor, and subjected to non-consensual sexual acts for several hours. A Snapchat message offering “free p----” allegedly encouraged additional members to join the assault. Doe reported the incident to Cornell University Police in early November 2024; the university placed the Chi Phi chapter on indefinite suspension.
University Investigation and Disciplinary Actions
Cornell’s Title IX office opened a formal investigation in early 2025 and held at least twelve hearings between May 2 and May 29. The university expelled two of the seven fraternity members named in the complaint; the remaining five received sanctions ranging from temporary suspension to mandatory workshops and reflective essays. The Xi chapter remains barred from campus, and federal privacy law limits further disclosure.
Legal Claims and Damages Sought
Doe’s complaint accuses Cornell University, the Chi Phi fraternity, the Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Delta Delta sorority, a downtown Ithaca nightclub, and the seven individual fraternity members of breach of contract, negligence, and violations of New York law. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for economic and non-economic losses, though no specific monetary amount is listed.
Official Statements & Responses
- Cornell University: Confirmed its Office of Civil Rights and Office of Student Conduct investigated the matter and that the Xi chapter remains barred. Privacy constraints prevent disclosure of individual outcomes.
- Chi Phi National Headquarters: Expressed “deep concern,” affirmed a zero-tolerance stance on sexual violence, and pledged to respect the legal process while refraining from comment pending litigation.
- Tompkins County District Attorney: Concluded there was insufficient evidence to support criminal charges.
- Attorney for the Plaintiff, Thomas Giuffra: Argues the university and fraternity failed to prevent the assault and notes the lack of arrests.
Data & Statistics
- Defendants: Seven fraternity members, Chi Phi fraternity, Cornell University, Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Delta Delta sorority, and a downtown Ithaca nightclub.
- Sanctions: Two expulsions; five additional disciplinary actions.
- Hearings: At least twelve Title IX hearings held in May 2025.
- Legal Outcome: No criminal arrests; civil suit pending.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The district attorney’s assessment that evidence was insufficient for criminal prosecution contrasts with the plaintiff’s claim of a prolonged, drug-facilitated assault. No public record details the specific evidence reviewed, and the university’s privacy policy limits disclosure of individual disciplinary findings, leaving gaps in public understanding of the case’s factual basis.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Not one of these guys was arrested. Not one. That I can tell you for a fact,” — Thomas Giuffra
- “There were so many people that could have prevented it and they didn't,” — Thomas Giuffra
- “While we cannot discuss the specific allegations during pending litigation, we take this matter seriously.” — Trae Banuelos-Rovaris
- “The Xi chapter of Chi Phi fraternity remains barred from our campus,” — Cornell University spokesperson
