A woman suing seven former members of Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity over alleged sexual assault can continue the civil proceedings anonymously, a judge has ruled.
Judge Phaedra Perry-Bond granted the protection on Friday, citing the high-profile nature of the allegations, concerns about retaliation and threats, and the potential harm of publicly identifying the plaintiff.
The court has ordered filings to conceal Jane Doe’s identity and other sensitive personal information. The defendants may share her identifying details privately when needed to investigate the claims and prepare their defence, provided confidentiality protections are followed.
Judge Perry-Bond also indicated that similar protections should be available to the defendants and said she would welcome an application for their identities to remain confidential. She encouraged wider privacy safeguards for defendants and witnesses involved in the case.
In the lawsuit, Ms Doe alleges that she was drugged, gang-raped and sexually assaulted by seven men at the Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024. All seven have denied the allegations.
The ruling does not assess the allegations or determine whether any defendant is liable. It establishes privacy arrangements while the civil case continues.
The judge warned that anyone who cyberstalks, harasses or threatens Ms Doe, the defendants or their lawyers could face criminal prosecution.
