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Cornell Faces Independent Review After Alleged 2024 Fraternity Gang Rape
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Alleged 2024 Chi Phi Gang Rape and Institutional Response
A former Cornell student, identified in court filings as “Jane Doe,” alleges that in October 2024 she was drugged with ketamine and gang-raped by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity. The lawsuit, filed in September 2024, accuses the university, the fraternity and the students of failing to prevent the assault and of providing an inadequate response.
Background & Context
The incident prompted investigations by Cornell’s campus police, the Title IX office and the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office. The DA initially declined to bring criminal charges, citing a six-page statement signed by the complainant. After the lawsuit, the DA announced a reopening of the criminal investigation. Cornell’s internal investigation resulted in expulsions of two accused students and sanctions for the remaining five; the Chi Phi chapter was barred from campus and later closed in 2024.
Timeline
- October 2024 – Alleged assault at the Chi Phi house.
- September 2024 – Jane Doe files a civil lawsuit.
- September 29, 2026 – Gov. Kathy Hochul calls for an independent review.
- September 30, 2026 – National Chi Phi leadership issues a statement.
- October 1, 2026 – Cornell agrees to hire outside counsel for an independent investigation.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Kathy Hochul directed her team to explore additional protections for survivors and urged a transparent, independent review, calling the allegations “nothing short of horrifying.”
District Attorney Matthew Van Houten defended the original decision not to prosecute, saying the victim’s detailed statement left “no question marks.” He later noted the new information was “news to me.”
Cornell University said it supports the DA’s reopening, described its Title IX process—including a hearing panel, expulsions and suspensions—and confirmed the Chi Phi chapter remains barred.
Interim executive director of Chi Phi Trey Robb said the chapter voted to remove the accused members within three days of the police report and that the national fraternity expelled them.
U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand urged a “truly independent and exhaustive investigation.”
Criticism & Opposition
Van Houten argued the victim’s original police account did not include drugging allegations, maintaining that existing evidence was sufficient and additional investigation unnecessary.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Sanctions: The lawsuit claims only two expulsions; Cornell’s statements note expulsions and suspensions without exact numbers.
- Evidence of Drugging: The plaintiff alleges forced ketamine use, while Van Houten’s summary says no such allegation was made at the time.
- Transcript Availability: Van Houten said the interview transcript was not provided to his office, yet CBS News obtained it independently.
Data & Statistics
- Accused students: 7
- Expulsions: 2 (as asserted by the plaintiff)
- Other sanctions: suspensions and essays for the remaining five
- Fraternity status: Chi Phi chapter closed in 2024 and barred from campus
What’s Next
Cornell will retain an outside law firm for an independent review. The Tompkins County DA’s office plans to present evidence to a grand jury. State officials have called for legislative reforms to strengthen New York’s Human Rights law and improve campus reporting and response protocols.