Cornell University officials were warned that fraternity violations were not being dealt with under the institution’s own disciplinary rules before an alleged drugging and sexual assault at Alpha Epsilon Pi, according to an email from a Cornell University Police Department officer.
The message, dated November 9 2022, described frustration within the police department over the administration’s handling of alleged underage drinking and unregistered events. It said organisations were being referred for conduct that could warrant suspension, but were often not even placed on probation.
Under Cornell’s policy, referrals alleging underage alcohol consumption and unregistered events were supposed to result in immediate interim suspension. If an organisation was found responsible, the minimum final sanction was a three-year suspension, the officer wrote.
“The concern of many is that there is a disconnect between policy and what is being done … organisations are routinely being found responsible for many violations that warrant suspension and are most times not even given probation,” the email said.
The officer specifically referred to Alpha Epsilon Pi, saying it had been reported by police on September 3 2022 over an unregistered event, alcoholic drinking games and a common source of alcohol.
Had an interim suspension been imposed, the fraternity would not have been allowed to hold an event on the night when a drugging and sexual assault was alleged, the officer said. The alleged assault referred to in the email took place on November 2 2022.
The message also accused the administration of failing to apply disciplinary measures despite repeated violations by fraternities that, in the officer’s view, warranted suspension.
It concluded: “Our department has put forth a great deal of time and effort in supporting presidential directives, university, and department policies. It is discouraging for many to see that there appears to be a disconnect in the system.”
Cornell later suspended Alpha Epsilon Pi for three years. The Interfraternity Council also suspended parties and social events for all fraternities for the remainder of 2022.
The alleged incident forms part of a lawsuit brought by a woman identified as Jane Doe against Cornell and seven fraternity members, involving allegations of gang rape. The police officer’s warning was sent two years before that case.
