Cornell President on Fraternity Rape Case: 'Deeply Disturbing'

Cornell University leadership has issued statements in the weeks since a former student filed a lawsuit over an alleged gang rape at the Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024, Us Weekly reports.

The Statements

President Michael Kotlikoff released a video statement on Oct. 3, 2026, calling the alleged assault 'deeply disturbing.' He acknowledged the case 'raises heartbreaking and troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanization and aspects of party culture, alcohol and drug use.' He also said the university does not 'have all the answers' but pledged to pursue them. Kotlikoff confirmed an independent review by an outside law firm has been launched, per Us Weekly.

Vice President for University Relations Kyle Kimball issued a statement on Sept. 28, 2026, defending the university's response. Kimball said any suggestion that Cornell imposed minimal consequences is 'false,' Us Weekly reports. He noted that the Chi Phi fraternity was suspended immediately after the victim came forward in November 2024 and remains barred from campus. The university conducted a Title IX investigation that resulted in a range of sanctions including expulsions and suspensions, not essay-writing as a sole consequence, per Us Weekly.

The Lawsuit

Jane Doe filed the lawsuit on Sept. 16, 2026, in New York Supreme Court, alleging she was drugged and sexually assaulted by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity on Oct. 19, 2024, Us Weekly reports. She said she felt intoxicated after drinking at her sorority and a nightclub, then went to the frat house to visit a friend, where she was allegedly drugged and assaulted. Around 1:42 a.m., one of the men allegedly sent a message to the fraternity's Snapchat group chat stating there was 'free p****' upstairs, per the lawsuit.

Doe reported the abuse three weeks later and dropped out of school. Her attorney, Thomas Giuffra, told NBC News that she is 'not well' and has undergone extensive mental health treatment, Us Weekly reports via NBC. Only two of the seven alleged attackers were expelled; the others received less severe punishments including submitting essays and attending workshops. No arrests have been made. Attorneys for the alleged attackers have denied wrongdoing.

The Investigation

New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed state attorney general Letitia James as a special prosecutor to reinvestigate the case, Us Weekly reports. Kotlikoff voiced support for that appointment in his statement.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

• Chi Phi
• Cornell University
• fraternity scandal
• gang rape allegations
• Jane Doe
• Michael Kotlikoff