Former Cornell Student Sues University, Frat Members Over Alleged Gang Rape, Says Only Two of Seven Accused Were Expelled

New York: A former Cornell University student has filed a lawsuit against the school, its Chi Phi fraternity chapter, seven current and former fraternity members, and several other parties, alleging she was drugged and sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity brothers at their Ithaca house in October 2024.

According to the complaint, filed September 14 in a New York state court, the woman, identified as Jane Doe, was 20 years old and attending what her attorney described as her dream school when she visited the Chi Phi house late on October 19, 2024. She alleges she was given substances, including what fraternity members described as ketamine, and was then assaulted by multiple men over several hours while severely impaired, before being left unconscious at the house until early the next morning.

She reported the incident to Cornell University police roughly three weeks later. The university conducted an internal investigation involving at least a dozen hearings; her attorney, Thomas Giuffra, said only two of the seven accused men were expelled, while others faced lesser measures such as suspensions, workshops or essay assignments, and that none were arrested. According to reports, the Tompkins County District Attorney's office said it reviewed the police investigation but found insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges.

Cornell has confirmed the Chi Phi chapter remains barred from campus following the investigation but said federal privacy law prevents it from disclosing individual disciplinary outcomes. The lawsuit alleges the university failed to adequately supervise fraternity activities despite prior concerns about drug use at the house, and names several other defendants, including sorority organisations and a local nightclub.

Meanwhile, students and parents have come out against Cornell's handling of the matter, especially how they let the accused of the hook after writing essays. Protests had been mounting from students sincethe incident came to light.