Stories
Cornell President Calls Alleged Gang Rape "Deeply Disturbing," Vows Review Amid Outrage
- •Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff described the alleged 2024 gang rape of a student as "deeply disturbing" and acknowledged the university's handling of the case has raised troubling questions.
- •Kotlikoff pledged greater transparency and committed to an independent review of Cornell's response, as called for by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.
- •The president expressed support for Gov. Hochul's decision to transfer the criminal investigation to the state attorney general.
- •The university faces mounting scrutiny and a lawsuit from the alleged victim, identified as Jane Doe, against Cornell and seven former students.
- •Kotlikoff acknowledged communication failures and committed to supporting legislative efforts to change New York's sexual assault laws.
Key Questions Answered
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff called the allegations deeply disturbing, pledged greater transparency, and expressed support for an independent review called for by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. He also supported shifting the criminal investigation to the state attorney general and committed to supporting legislative changes to New York's sexual assault laws.
Prosecutors reopened the investigation after a civil lawsuit brought new details and previously undisclosed Snapchat messages to light. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten noted that the allegations in the civil complaint differed significantly from the initial police account, prompting prosecutors to re-examine the case with the victim's cooperation.
The civil lawsuit filed by the victim, identified as Jane Doe, names Cornell University and seven former Chi Phi fraternity members: Matthew Ingalls, Jonathan Newell, Winston Lee, Gillio Lopes, Diego Sarabia, Scott Norris, and Scott Kretzschmar.
