Story perspectives

Cornell Removes Chi Phi President From 2024 Rape Lawsuit

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 3:33 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Cornell Chi Phi fraternity president Orazio Petito was removed as a defendant in the 2024 gang-rape lawsuit.
The filing states the case against Petito was discontinued with prejudice, shielding him from liens.
Petito was never accused of assault and was not president during the alleged 2024 attack.
New York Attorney General Letitia James is investigating the assault while Cornell conducts its internal probe.

History

Historical Context

Title IX, passed on June 23 1972, banned sex discrimination in any federally funded school. The law’s reach expanded through the 1980 Alexander v. Yale decision and the 2011 Obama-era Dear Colleague Letter, prompting universities to create compliance offices. In 2024, New York Attorney General Letitia James opened a probe of Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity, reflecting the ongoing enforcement legacy.

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Story summary

U.S. Cornell Chi Phi fraternity president Orazio Petito was removed as a defendant in the 2024 gang-rape lawsuit.
The filing states the case against Petito was discontinued with prejudice, shielding him from liens.
Petito was never accused of assault and was not president during the alleged 2024 attack.
New York Attorney General Letitia James is investigating the assault while Cornell conducts its internal probe.

1 / 2