Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff has addressed allegations that a woman was gang raped on campus in 2024, describing the case as “deeply disturbing” as authorities reopen a criminal investigation into the incident.
In a video statement on Saturday, Kotlikoff said the allegations had raised serious concerns about sexual assault, campus party culture and alcohol and drug use at the Ivy League university in New York.
“What happened to ‘Jane Doe’ in 2024 is deeply disturbing and will weigh heavily on our community for years to come,” Kotlikoff said. “My heart aches when I think of what she experienced.”
The case returned to national attention after the woman, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, filed a civil lawsuit on September 16 against seven men she alleges raped her. According to the lawsuit, all seven were members of Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity.
The alleged assault occurred on the night of October 19-20, 2024. Jane Doe reported the incident to Cornell University Police on November 8, but prosecutors declined to pursue criminal charges at the time, citing insufficient evidence.
The criminal investigation has now been reopened to determine whether charges should be brought.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul subsequently removed Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten from the case and appointed a special prosecutor to oversee the renewed investigation.
Kotlikoff welcomed the appointment, saying questions remained about how the original allegations were investigated.
“We don’t have all the answers, but we are committed to investigating and finding the answers our community deserves,” he said.
The Cornell president acknowledged widespread anger and concern on campus and said the university was reviewing its handling of sexual assault cases and considering additional measures to improve student safety.
“This is a defining moment in Cornell’s history,” Kotlikoff said, adding that the university had a responsibility to learn from the case and do more to prevent sexual violence.
The allegations in the civil lawsuit remain subject to legal proceedings, while the reopened criminal investigation is ongoing and has not yet resulted in charges.