Full Breakdown
Governor Hochul Calls for Independent Review of Cornell’s Handling of 2024 Rape Allegations
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The governor’s statement backs the Tompkins County District Attorney’s decision to reopen the criminal investigation and present the case to a grand jury.
Background & Context
The suit accuses Cornell, the fraternity and the plaintiff’s sorority of failing to protect her. Cornell’s internal Title IX investigation resulted in temporary suspensions, a hearing panel and expulsions or suspensions for the accused. The university reports that the Chi Phi chapter was closed in 2024 and barred from campus.
Timeline
- September (unspecified) – Jane Doe files the civil lawsuit naming seven former fraternity members.
- September 28 – District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announces the case has been reopened and will be presented to a grand jury.
- September 29 – Governor Hochul issues a statement calling the allegations “nothing short of horrifying” and requests an independent review.
Data & Statistics
- Seven former Chi Phi members are named.
- Two were expelled, according to the plaintiff’s lawyer and Cornell.
- No criminal arrests have been made.
- The fraternity chapter was closed in 2024 and remains barred from campus.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Hochul said the allegations are “nothing short of horrifying” and praised the courage of any student who comes forward. She supports the DA’s decision to reopen the probe and urges a review of Cornell’s obligations.
Cornell University said it will cooperate with state officials and reiterated its commitment to student safety, citing the Title IX investigation, sanctions and chapter closure.
District Attorney Van Houten noted the original police report lacked drug-ging or non-consensual activity allegations, but the civil suit provided new information prompting the reopening.
Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo criticized the university’s handling as a “miscarriage of justice.”
Criticism & Opposition
- Mayor Cantelmo argued Cornell’s response fell short of protecting students.
- Jeremy Saland, attorney for one of the accused, dismissed the lawsuit as a “money grab.”
- Thomas Giuffra, the plaintiff’s lawyer, highlighted that “not one of these guys was arrested.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Cornell emphasizes “consequential punishments,” while the plaintiff’s lawyer says only two expulsions occurred and no arrests were made. The DA’s original report omitted drug-ging allegations, yet the civil suit alleges drugging and prolonged assault, indicating gaps in the public record.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The allegations in this case are nothing short of horrifying. For any student to come forward after an experience like this takes extraordinary courage. No student should ever be left wondering whether the institutions meant to protect them will listen and act,” — Kathy Hochul, New York governor
- “The plaintiff can peddle any story she wants, but intentionally victimizing an innocent person for a money grab is reprehensible even if the rest of her claims against others is true,” — Jeremy Saland, attorney
What’s Next
The district attorney will present the reopened case to a grand jury on September 28, after which charges could be filed. Governor Hochul’s independent review will run concurrently, with findings expected to inform campus-safety policies at Cornell and potentially other institutions.