Cornell University president Michael Kotlikoff has spoken out over allegations that seven Chi Phi fraternity members drugged and sexually assaulted a woman, saying the institution was enduring “one of the most difficult weeks in our history”.
In an eight-minute video addressed to students, Mr Kotlikoff referred directly to the account of the woman, identified as Jane Doe, and expressed his sympathy over what allegedly happened in 2024.
“What happened to Jane Doe in 2024 is deeply disturbing and will weigh heavily on our community for years to come,” he said. “My heart aches when I think of what she experienced.”
The president backed New York governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to appoint attorney general Letitia James as a special prosecutor. Ms James will oversee both the criminal case and an independent review of Cornell’s response.
Mr Kotlikoff said the university would not wait for those processes to finish before taking action. “We will not wait for the investigation or the review to be completed before we act,” he said.
He praised the work of the university’s sexual assault task force, which he said was seeking “substantial changes in education, prevention, and support”.
“You have my commitment that this will not be a moment that passes,” he told students. “We are listening, we are learning, we are committed to communicating more openly, and where we can do better, we will.”
The case has also prompted a dispute over the handling of evidence. Tompkins County district attorney Matthew Van Houten said university police had given him Jane Doe’s sworn statement and a screenshot of Snapchat messages, while university police responded that his office had declined additional evidence.
Mr Van Houten had said he would convene a grand jury to present evidence, but Ms James has since taken over the case.
