Cornell University’s president has called for stronger sexual assault laws in New York after allegations that a former student was drugged and raped by seven members of the university’s Chi Phi fraternity.
Michael Kotlikoff said the Ivy League institution would improve sexual assault prevention, hold fraternities and sororities accountable and support efforts to change state law. He described the case as a “defining moment” in Cornell’s history.
The former student, known as Jane Doe, filed a civil lawsuit in September alleging that she was pressured to drink high-proof rum and take ketamine before being assaulted in October 2024. None of the men accused has been charged, and they have denied wrongdoing.
Cornell has defended its handling of the allegations, although the lawsuit claims the university failed to adequately punish some of the students involved. Mr Kotlikoff acknowledged there were “troubling questions” about the way the investigation was managed.
New York sexual assault law under scrutiny
The allegations have renewed criticism of a New York law that makes it difficult to prosecute cases when an accuser voluntarily consumed alcohol or drugs, even if they later became too intoxicated to consent.
Under the current legislation, a person who became voluntarily intoxicated cannot claim to have been mentally incapacitated during an assault unless they can show they were physically helpless. Proposed changes would allow prosecutors to pursue third-degree rape charges where someone under the influence was unable to control their behaviour and the accused should reasonably have understood their condition.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has promised to amend the law. “Voluntary intoxication is not a licence for sexual assault or gang rape, period,” she said.
Matthew Van Houten, the local district attorney, previously cited the law when defending his decision not to bring charges, saying the woman’s initial statement to police described voluntary drug use and sexual activity.
The criminal investigation has since been taken over by the New York state attorney’s office, with a special prosecutor appointed by Letitia James, the state attorney general.
In an eight-minute video message, Mr Kotlikoff said Cornell would support legislative efforts and called for a “serious look at the role of fraternities and sororities in campus life”. He said the university needed to consider how the benefits of Greek life could be preserved while accountability and transparency were strengthened.
“Being part of a group can never diminish individual responsibility for our own actions, for how we treat others or for speaking up when someone may be at risk,” he said.
Thomas Giuffra, who represents Ms Doe, said she had received multiple threats intended to silence her or force her to withdraw the lawsuit. He has also said she was “not doing well” and was “hanging on by a string”.
A police log records that an individual was arrested at the fraternity the day before the alleged assault in connection with a drug-related offence after an overdose was reported. The record does not identify the person or the drugs involved, and does not establish a link between that incident and the allegations made by Ms Doe.
