New York Attorney General to Review Cornell’s Response
Qwenews.com – The New York attorney general to review Cornell University’s handling of 2024 rape allegations as the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office reopens its criminal investigation. The renewed scrutiny follows a civil lawsuit filed this month by a former Cornell student.
The woman, identified in court records as Jane Doe, alleges she was drugged and sexually assaulted by several Chi Phi fraternity members at the fraternity’s Ithaca, New York, house on October 19, 2024. Her 101-page complaint names Cornell, Chi Phi and seven fraternity members among more than a dozen defendants.
The lawsuit includes claims of negligence, breach of contract, sexual assault and battery, and violations of New York’s Human Rights Law. The allegations have not been established in court.
District Attorney Reopens the Case
After requests from community members, the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office said Monday it had reopened the matter and would seek a grand jury review. The New York attorney general to review Cornell’s initial institutional response separately from the local criminal process.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said prosecutors initially did not file charges because Doe had not provided Cornell police with the same significant allegations later included in her lawsuit. Doe’s attorney disputes that explanation, saying Cornell authorities received the information promptly and that the earlier report was not materially different from the 2026 complaint.
The differing accounts raise questions about what investigators knew, when they received it and how Cornell and law enforcement responded to the report.
What the Lawsuit Alleges
According to the complaint, Doe was 20 and had been drinking at her sorority house and at a bar before going to the Chi Phi house to see a fraternity member who was a friend. The filing says she had consumed roughly 10 standard drinks during the preceding three hours.
At the house, the lawsuit alleges that the friend and another fraternity member supplied more alcohol and pressured Doe to snort a substance described as ketamine. It alleges she was sexually assaulted while unable to consent and that another fraternity member later entered the room and assaulted her.
The complaint also cites a message allegedly posted at about 1:42 a.m. in a fraternity Snapchat group called “Chi Phi Actives.” The lawsuit says the message encouraged other chapter members to enter the room. It alleges that several members did so and that Doe was subjected to further unwanted sexual contact and drug use.
Five defendants eventually left, the complaint says. The remaining two allegedly moved Doe to another room, directed her to take additional ketamine and sexually assaulted her until about 5:45 a.m.
Defendants Challenge the Claims
Attorneys for two accused students have publicly denied allegations involving their clients. Attorney Jeremy Saland said his client never sexually assaulted or touched the plaintiff.
“Even the district attorney’s office, led by a chief prosecutor with the duty to pursue justice and uphold the rule of law without bias or favor, filed no charges against (him) because what she alleged did not happen.”
A lawyer for another student said that student participated in the Snapchat exchange cited in the lawsuit but denied participating in sexual activity or drug use. The grand jury review will determine whether prosecutors pursue charges.
FAQ: Cornell Review and the Ithaca Investigation
What does the attorney general’s review involve?
The New York attorney general to review Cornell’s initial handling of the allegations. That state-level inquiry concerns the university’s response and does not itself decide whether any individual is criminally guilty.
What is happening with the local investigation?
The Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office has reopened the case and said it will seek a grand jury review. A grand jury process may determine whether criminal charges are pursued.
Are the allegations proven?
No. The claims are allegations in a civil lawsuit, and the defendants involved have disputed wrongdoing. The civil case and reopened criminal review remain unresolved.