Cornell suspends fraternity parties as faculty challenge handling of rape allegations

The case centres on a former student's allegation that she was drugged and raped by seven fraternity members in October 2024. Le Monde reported the allegations on October 13. The student is identified as Jane Doe in coverage of her lawsuit by The Hill.

Scrutiny extends beyond the alleged assault to how Cornell and prosecutors responded. Le Monde reported that prosecutors had brought no charges against the alleged attackers in 2024 and that both prosecutors and the university faced strong criticism.

On October 13, President Michael Kotlikoff announced that Cornell would suspend fraternity parties and events for the rest of the 2026-27 academic year, according to CBC News. The restriction covers parties and social events at Interfraternity Council houses, Global News reported.

Cornell also announced changes to investigations. Associated Press reported that New York State Police would have a role in investigating sex crimes on campus. The Hill reported that the university would add trained sexual assault investigators to its police staff.

An independent review is also planned. Euronews reported on October 13 that Cornell had appointed former US Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to conduct a comprehensive independent review of its response to the rape allegations.

On October 14, The Independent reported that Kotlikoff acknowledged he had never followed up on the student's report of gang rape in 2024. The Hill reported that he acknowledged missteps by himself and the university while defending subsequent actions.

The dispute then moved into the Faculty Senate. ABCNews.com reported that deliberations on a no-confidence resolution would begin on October 14. By October 15, The New York Times reported that faculty members had questioned Kotlikoff and that some remained unconvinced by the measures he announced.

The party suspension remains in place through the end of the academic year. Fraternities face immediate emergency suspensions for violating the ban, according to Al Jazeera.

The measures have not settled concerns about the administration's handling of sexual violence. The New York Times reported faculty criticism ahead of a vote on a resolution of no confidence. The supplied coverage does not report a result.

The next concrete development is the outcome of the Faculty Senate's no-confidence process. The New York Times reported that some faculty members were not swayed by the party ban and other steps, leaving Kotlikoff's response under continued scrutiny.

The independent review and investigative changes are also pending tests of Cornell's response. The coverage from Euronews and Associated Press establishes those commitments, but provides no findings from the review or results from the new police arrangements.