Story perspectives

Cornell Launches Independent Review of Sexual Assault Policies

By Drooid · Oct 7, 2026, 11:10 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Cornell hired a former Justice Department lawyer to conduct an independent review of sexual assault policies.
Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James to reopen the criminal investigation of the 2024 case.
Cornell shut down the Chi Phi fraternity chapter and expelled or suspended the involved students.
A 2025 campus survey reported 35% of undergraduate women experienced sexual assault while at Cornell.

History

Historical Context

In 1986 Jeanne Clery was raped and murdered at Lehigh University; her parents’ campaign led to the 1990 Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, which obliges every college receiving federal aid to publish annual crime reports, keep public logs and issue timely warnings. The U.S. Department of Education can fine institutions up to $69,733 per violation, shaping today’s campus-safety oversight.

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Story summary

Cornell hired a former Justice Department lawyer to conduct an independent review of sexual assault policies.
Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James to reopen the criminal investigation of the 2024 case.
Cornell shut down the Chi Phi fraternity chapter and expelled or suspended the involved students.
A 2025 campus survey reported 35% of undergraduate women experienced sexual assault while at Cornell.

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