Story perspectives

Cornell Expels Chi Phi Members After Day Hall Protest

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 2:11 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Students at Cornell University smashed a glass door at Day Hall and spray-painted slogans on October 5, 2026.
Protesters demanded President Michael Kotlikoff resign and called for replacing the Office of Student Conduct.
Students also called for abolishing the Interfraternity Council and expelling Chi Phi members.
Cornell shut down the Chi Phi chapter and imposed expulsions and essay sanctions on some members.

History

Historical Context

On April 30 1968, New York City police cleared Columbia University’s Low Library and Hamilton Hall occupations, forcing President Grayson L. Kirk to resign after SDS and the Student Afro-American Society led thousands of protesters. The crackdown produced over 700 arrests and halted a planned segregated gym, prompting campus-governance reforms that still shape protests such as Cornell’s recent Day Hall breach and Chi Phi expulsions.

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Story summary

Students at Cornell University smashed a glass door at Day Hall and spray-painted slogans on October 5, 2026.
Protesters demanded President Michael Kotlikoff resign and called for replacing the Office of Student Conduct.
Students also called for abolishing the Interfraternity Council and expelling Chi Phi members.
Cornell shut down the Chi Phi chapter and imposed expulsions and essay sanctions on some members.

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