Story perspectives

Cornell orders independent investigation after assault lawsuit demands

By Drooid · Oct 13, 2026, 2:11 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Bill Maher Calls EndGreek

Bill Maher called for ending Greek life after a Cornell assault lawsuit.
Jane Doe sued Chi Phi fraternity, seven members, Cornell University and Delta Delta Delta sorority over the October 19, 2024 assault.
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff pledged a serious review of fraternities and ordered an independent investigation.
A 2026 Cornell taskforce report found that 52 percent of sorority women reported sexual assault.

Summary

Sarabia Seeks Gag

Diego Sarabia’s lawyers filed a motion seeking a gag order on attorney Thomas Giuffra.
Winston Lee’s counsel petitioned the court to bar Attorney General Letitia James from grand jury.
Cornell faculty submitted a vote-of-no-confidence resolution on university’s handling of fraternity allegations.
Former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates was hired to lead a review of Cornell’s policies.
Judge Phaedra Perry-Bond sealed the complaint and ordered filings after internet-vigilantism threats.

History

Historical Context

After Rolling Stone’s November 2014 article alleged a gang rape at UVA’s Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, the university suspended all Greek life, later reinstating the chapter in January 2015 and settling a defamation claim for $1.65 million. The scandal highlighted research showing fraternity men are three times more likely to commit rape, prompting stronger Title IX oversight that now frames Cornell’s current Greek-life probe.

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Bill Maher Calls EndGreek

Bill Maher called for ending Greek life after a Cornell assault lawsuit.
Jane Doe sued Chi Phi fraternity, seven members, Cornell University and Delta Delta Delta sorority over the October 19, 2024 assault.
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff pledged a serious review of fraternities and ordered an independent investigation.
A 2026 Cornell taskforce report found that 52 percent of sorority women reported sexual assault.

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