Cornell University has agreed to an independent investigation into its handling of allegations that a female student was drugged and sexually assaulted by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity in 2024.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul called for the review and said the Ivy League university had agreed to proceed with it. She said the investigation would examine whether Cornell did everything it could to protect the student.
“I wanted to make sure they knew how important this was, and they absolutely agreed. And they’re acting on this this afternoon,” Ms Hochul told ABC News.
She said the findings should establish what happened for the alleged victim, her family, the university community and the wider public.
“People need to know the truth and I think it’s important for the public, for the victim, her family and the University community to know that their University did everything that they’re supposed to do,” she said.
The review follows the reopening of the case by Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten, after a civil lawsuit filed by the student, identified as Jane Doe, made the allegations.
Ms Hochul also said the way women are treated on university campuses needed to change.
