Cornell University president Michael I. Kotlikoff has said the administration “must do better” as the institution faces mounting criticism over its handling of allegations that a former student was gang-raped at a fraternity.
In a video message, Mr Kotlikoff acknowledged anger and distress across the university community and said Cornell would take steps to prevent similar incidents. The student, identified only as Jane Doe, alleges she was drugged and raped at the university’s Chi Phi fraternity chapter in October 2024, when she was 20.
She filed a lawsuit last month against Cornell and seven men. The allegations have not resulted in criminal charges.
Cornell University investigation to face independent review
Mr Kotlikoff said Cornell would appoint an outside law firm to conduct an “independent review” of “all aspects of Cornell’s handling of the 2024 matter”. He said the case had raised questions about the investigations carried out after the allegations were reported.
Tompkins County district attorney Matthew Van Houten said this week that he had not been given the full transcript of a two-day interview between Jane Doe and campus police in November 2024. Instead, he said, his office received a six-page sworn statement based on the interview.
The district attorney’s office previously concluded there was insufficient evidence to support criminal charges. Mr Van Houten has now said he is reopening the investigation.
New York governor Kathy Hochul, who has criticised Mr Van Houten’s handling of the case, said she had appointed state attorney general Letitia James as special prosecutor to lead the investigation.
Cornell initially said its police department had provided the results of its Title IX investigation to the district attorney. The university later said it had shared Jane Doe’s sworn statement and a Snapchat screenshot involving Chi Phi members on the night of the alleged rape, in line with what it described as established protocol when a possible crime is identified.
Mr Kotlikoff said the university supported the state criminal investigation. He also said Cornell recognised the frustration caused by what many viewed as a lack of communication about its response.
“There are real legal and privacy limits on what we can say, but we will make greater effort to explain what we can, to provide context about the actions Cornell has taken, and to be more transparent,” he said.
The president disclosed earlier this week that Cornell’s Title IX process had resulted in two of the accused men being expelled and two being suspended for at least two semesters. One had graduated before disciplinary action could be taken, while two others were found not responsible for sexual misconduct.
Cornell established a Presidential Task Force on Campus Sexual Assault in 2025 following the initial investigation into Jane Doe’s allegations and endorsed its recommendations. Mr Kotlikoff said the university would also create opportunities in the coming weeks for community members, including parents of current students, to question and speak with its leadership.
“This is a defining moment in Cornell’s history,” he said. “We must lead the way. We owe it to Jane Doe and to survivors of assault to get this right. And we must keep each other safe.”
