New York Prosecutors Revisit Cornell Fraternity Sexual Assault Allegations After Lawsuit
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Prosecutors in New York have revisited allegations involving seven fraternity members accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a former Cornell University student at the Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024, according to media reports.
The woman, identified as Jane Doe in a lawsuit, has sued Cornell University and the fraternity members, alleging that they failed to protect her and prevent the alleged assault.
According to the lawsuit, Doe was 20 years old and studying at Cornell when she visited a friend at the university's Chi Phi fraternity house in Ithaca.
Woman Alleges She Was Drugged Before Assault
The lawsuit alleges that Doe was intoxicated when two fraternity members pressured her into snorting what they told her was ketamine before sexually assaulting her.
The complaint alleges that several men then engaged in sexual acts with her without her consent, including oral and vaginal intercourse.
According to the lawsuit, Doe was unconscious when one of the men allegedly posted a message in the fraternity's Snapchat group, Chi Phi Actives, saying there was "free p***y" at the house.
Other members allegedly responded to the message, with one writing, "This is crazy work," while another allegedly said, "Like you can walk in and w**p it out", according to reports citing the lawsuit.
The complaint alleges that more men subsequently arrived at the fraternity house and that Doe was sexually assaulted for hours.
A screenshot of the alleged Snapchat exchange was reportedly included in the court filing.
Woman Reported Assault Weeks Later
According to the lawsuit, Doe reported the alleged assault to Cornell's police department about three weeks after the incident.
Her attorney, Thomas Giuffra, said Cornell subsequently conducted an internal investigation. According to the lawsuit, only two of the seven accused fraternity members were expelled, while others received lesser disciplinary measures, including suspensions, workshops or essays.
The lawsuit alleges that Cornell failed to adequately discipline or remove students involved in the alleged assault and created an environment in which sexual assault could be tolerated.
Giuffra told CBS News that none of the men had been arrested, while also criticising what he described as failures by people who could have intervened.
Doe reportedly left Cornell following the alleged assault.
Prosecutor Says Evidence Was Insufficient For Criminal Charges
The Tompkins County District Attorney's Office said it had conducted a thorough review of the police investigation.
However, the district attorney said there was insufficient evidence to support criminal charges.
The statement comes as the allegations are being raised again through the civil lawsuit filed by Doe.
The lawsuit accuses Cornell and the other defendants of breach of contract, negligence and violations of state law. Doe is seeking monetary damages, including compensatory and punitive damages, although the complaint does not specify an amount.
Cornell Says Allegations Were Investigated
Cornell said its Office of Civil Rights and Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards investigated and adjudicated the allegations in accordance with university policies.
The university said the Xi chapter of Chi Phi has been barred from campus.
Cornell said federal privacy laws prevent it from disclosing specific information about individual students or their disciplinary records.
"Violations of university policies could lead to sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion," the university said, adding that it would respond in detail through the legal process.
The university also said it established a task force on sexual assault following its investigation and has since introduced changes to its policies.
Chi Phi Says Allegations Are ‘Deeply Concerning’
Chi Phi's national headquarters said it was aware of the lawsuit and described the sexual assault allegations as deeply concerning.
"Anyone who reports sexual violence deserves to be heard and treated with compassion, dignity, and respect," the fraternity said in a statement to CBS News.
The organisation said it could not discuss the specific allegations while litigation was pending but said it takes the matter seriously and would respect the legal process.
The allegations contained in the lawsuit have not been established in court, and the defendants have not been convicted of criminal offences in connection with the claims.
