Cornell bans all fraternity parties after assault allegations

Cornell University has suspended all parties and social events at fraternity houses for the remainder of the 2026-27 academic year, citing mounting backlash over its handling of a 2024 sexual assault allegation ^[1]. The move, announced by President Michael Kotlikoff, follows a civil lawsuit filed by a woman known as Jane Doe, who alleges she was assaulted and drugged at the Chi Phi fraternity house ^[3].

The university will now involve New York State Police in investigating campus sex crimes, with trauma-informed criminal investigators independent of Cornell’s campus police force ^[1]. Kotlikoff said the suspension is part of a ‘zero tolerance’ policy and will allow time for a thorough review of fraternity life to determine if it can safely continue ^[2].

Jane Doe’s lawsuit, filed in September, names seven former Chi Phi members, the fraternity, her sorority, and Cornell itself as defendants ^[3]. Two of the men were expelled after an internal investigation, while others were allowed to return after writing essays or attending workshops—none were ever criminally charged ^[1].

New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to review the case, stating that local authorities failed to protect Jane Doe ^[1]. Two of the accused men have challenged James’s appointment, but Hochul maintains her decision is necessary.

Cornell also hired former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates to conduct an independent review of the university’s response to sexual misconduct ^[3]. Kotlikoff pledged to add a case manager to the Office of Civil Rights to better support survivors ^[2].

Jane Doe’s lawyer said her client’s aim was systemic change, not just personal justice: ‘These steps are helpful… but too late to protect Ms. Doe’ ^[3]. According to one source, the three other men named in the lawsuit have not responded to requests for comment.