Cornell suspends fraternity parties amid scrutiny of alleged 2024 assault
publishers 106articles 173first reported 26 Sep, 21:09 UTCdeveloping since 27 Sep · 29 editions
Cornell University has suspended parties and social events at Interfraternity Council houses through the end of the academic year amid criticism of its response to an alleged gang rape at a fraternity house in 2024.
President Michael Kotlikoff said the pause would allow a review of fraternity life and whether it can safely continue. Cornell also announced a “zero tolerance” policy under which violations would result in a chapter’s immediate suspension, plans to develop alternative social activities, and additional staffing to help people reporting sexual misconduct navigate university procedures.
The action follows a lawsuit filed in September by a former undergraduate identified as Jane Doe. She alleges that seven men sexually assaulted her at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024 after she was pressured to consume ketamine, marijuana and alcohol. All seven have denied the allegations, saying either that sexual activity was consensual or that they were not involved. None has been criminally charged.
Campus police initially investigated and referred findings to the Tompkins County district attorney, who declined to prosecute. The investigation was later reopened, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed state Attorney General Letitia James as an independent special prosecutor. Cornell said it would also work with New York State Police on investigations independent of the university.
Cornell closed the Chi Phi chapter and disciplined several students after learning of the case. Kotlikoff has acknowledged that the university fell short while defending actions taken since the allegations were reported. Former Deputy U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates is reviewing Cornell’s response.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 4 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 342 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 106
- Source articles
- 173
- Given to the writer
- 8, 4 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8
- This version written
- 342 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
The second model checked the writer's draft against the same sources and published it as written.
Written by a language model from the sources above, then checked by a second model that may only cut, attribute or correct. How it works →