Cornell University's response to student rape allegations to be reviewed by New York A-G - report

New York Attorney-General Letitia James will review Cornell University's handling of rape allegations made by a student against seven Chi Phi fraternity members. The case was reopened after the Tompkins County District Attorney's Office was asked to revisit the decision on criminal charges. Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James as special prosecutor, citing failures by institutions to protect the victim. The student filed a civil lawsuit in September 2024, and newly unsealed court documents reveal an internal investigation with over 50 interviews.

New York Attorney-General Letitia James will review Cornell University's handling of rape allegations made by a student against seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity. The student, identified as Jane Doe, filed a civil lawsuit in September 2024, accusing the men of assaulting her while she was unable to consent and criticizing the university's response. The Tompkins County District Attorney's Office reopened the case after community pressure to revisit the decision on criminal charges. District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said the student did not share certain key allegations with Cornell police in 2024, so no initial charges were filed. Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James as special prosecutor on October 2, 2026, stating that the young woman was failed by institutions at every turn. Van Houten supports the appointment, saying the university did not provide the full picture. Newly unsealed court documents show Cornell conducted an internal investigation with over 50 interviews and 32 witnesses. CBS News released message screenshots between the victim and a defendant from two days after the alleged assault, in which the man apologized and said his memory was fuzzy. The victim responded that none of the sexual stuff was illegal and that she enjoyed being with him.