A lawsuit filed in New York has reignited scrutiny of Cornell University's handling of sexual‑misconduct complaints. A former student alleges that Cornell University allowed seven men she accuses of gang rape to mitigate their discipline by submitting essays. Her lawsuit says the seven, all in its Chi Phi fraternity, drugged and raped her in October 2024.
The case has prompted prosecutors in Tompkins County to reopen their investigation. District Attorney Matthew Van Houten confirmed he plans to present the case to a grand jury if the student participates. He said none of the seven men has been criminally charged in connection with the allegations. Cornell, citing federal privacy law, says individual disciplinary outcomes cannot be disclosed.
