Story perspectives

Cornell Expels Two Chi Phi Members After Sexual Assault

By Drooid · Oct 4, 2026, 10:30 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Cornell University expelled two Chi Phi members for sexual assault after a closed disciplinary hearing.
Gillio Lopes was suspended for three semesters with probation and training.
Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor, replacing DA Matthew Van Houten.
State prosecutors reopened the criminal case after Jane Doe’s September 16, 2026 civil lawsuit alleging drug-facilitated rape.

History

Historical Context

In April 2014, the U.S. Department of Education issued the Title IX “Dear Colleague” letter, mandating schools to address sexual assault promptly. The directive, signed by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, required investigations within 60 days and spurred $1 billion in compliance funding for universities. Today, Cornell University expelled two Chi Phi members, while Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Letitia James as special prosecutor after a reopened case tied to a September 16, 2026 civil lawsuit. The 2014 precedent pressures institutions to enforce stricter disciplinary processes, prompting heightened oversight and potential federal audits of campus assault handling.

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Story summary

Cornell University expelled two Chi Phi members for sexual assault after a closed disciplinary hearing.
Gillio Lopes was suspended for three semesters with probation and training.
Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor, replacing DA Matthew Van Houten.
State prosecutors reopened the criminal case after Jane Doe’s September 16, 2026 civil lawsuit alleging drug-facilitated rape.

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