Cornell bans frat parties and adds sexual assault investigators after gang rape allegations

Cornell bans frat parties and adds sexual assault investigators after gang rape allegations ‘It is clear that women on our campus continue to question whether they are safe,’ the university president said in a statement - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Cornell University has banned fraternity parties and enlisted sexual assault investigators after gang rape allegations drew national attention to the Ivy League school. President Michael Kotlikoff announced the changes in a letter to the campus community on Tuesday, roughly one month after a former student, identified only as Jane Doe, filed a civil lawsuit alleging she was drugged and raped by seven men at a campus fraternity party in 2024. “I am deeply sorry for the harm Jane Doe suffered in 2024, and appalled that this act of sexual violence occurred within our Cornell community,” Kotlikoff wrote. “It is clear that women on our campus continue to question whether they are safe. We must meet this moment by acknowledging where we have fallen short and taking meaningful action.” The president said he had spent weeks listening to concerns of students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni — as protests erupted on campus, where demonstrators accused the university of failing to act sufficiently. As a result, a series of changes will take effect immediately, including the suspension of all social events and parties at fraternity houses for the remainder of the academic year. “There will be zero tolerance for violations of this directive,” Kotlikoff wrote. “Any fraternity holding an in-house party or social event will receive an immediate emergency suspension.” Survivors of sexual assault will also receive stronger support, with additional staff added to the Cornell Office of Civil Rights and New York State Police criminal investigators brought in to investigate campus allegations, he said. This is a breaking story... Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments