Prosecutors reopen criminal inquiry
New York state prosecutors stated they will reopen a criminal inquiry into the alleged rape of a woman at Cornell University in 2024. The announcement follows a civil lawsuit filed on 16 September by the woman, referred to in court documents as Jane Doe, alleging she was drugged and assaulted by multiple people at a campus fraternity house.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten stated that once appropriate charges are determined, the case will be prosecuted via a grand jury in an objective and impartial manner. Van Houten noted that when his office initially reviewed the matter two years ago, evidence from the victim’s statement to authorities did not meet the legal threshold for charges. He stated that her initial November 2024 sworn statement described participation in drug use and sexual conduct as voluntary, which contrasted with the allegations in the civil lawsuit.
Jane Doe’s lawyer, Thomas Giuffra, contended that his client was traumatized and numb following the incident, operating in self-preservation mode and unable to accept what had occurred during initial interactions with law enforcement.
University and legal responses
Jane Doe’s lawsuit alleges that seven men from Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity chapter assaulted her on 19 October 2024, utilizing alcohol and the drug ketamine while she was intoxicated and unable to consent. The suit also claims Cornell failed to protect her or adequately punish the individuals involved, alleging perpetrators were given the opportunity to submit essays.
Cornell University disputed the claim regarding inadequate punishment, stating the matter went before a trained faculty and staff panel resulting in sanctions that included expulsions and suspensions. The university stated that no individuals were offered essay writing as a sole consequence. The local Chi Phi fraternity chapter remains barred from campus, and Cornell reported that a Title IX civil rights inquiry and internal investigation were opened.
Jeremy Saland, an attorney representing one of the named men, denied the allegations against his client, stating the client was involved in no sexual activity, touched no one, ingested no ketamine, and only made an immature comment on Snapchat.
Campus reaction and wider attention
The case has drawn national attention, with public statements from figures including actress Florence Pugh and US lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. CBS News New York published excerpts of text messages reportedly exchanged between a defendant and the complainant days after the incident, showing discussions regarding intoxication and memory.
Sophia Dasser, editor-in-chief of the student newspaper The Cornell Daily Sun, reported a mix of outrage, shock, and solidarity on campus, alongside student frustration over a lack of transparency regarding the Title IX process. Additionally, the mayor of Ithaca, New York, requested a moratorium on student and special event permits until the university reviews its protocols concerning sexual violence prevention and prosecution. A 2025 school survey cited in reports found that 35% of undergraduate women and 8% of undergraduate men reported experiencing sexual assault during their time at Cornell.
