Cornell Bans Fraternity Parties for Rest of Academic Year After 2024 Sexual Assault Allegations
Cornell University has suspended parties and social events at fraternity houses for the remainder of the 2026–27 academic year following widespread criticism of its handling of allegations that a former student was sexually assaulted at a fraternity house in 2024.
University President Michael Kotlikoff announced the restrictions on October 13, alongside plans to strengthen campus safety procedures and bring in outside investigators to handle sexual assault allegations.
The decision applies to houses affiliated with Cornell’s Interfraternity Council. Under the new policy, a fraternity chapter that violates the ban could face immediate emergency suspension. Kotlikoff said the restrictions would give the university time to review fraternity life and determine how such activities could continue safely.
New York State Police to Help Investigate Cases
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Cornell also plans to work with New York State Police to allow independent criminal investigators to investigate sexual assault allegations on campus. Previously, reports were generally handled by Cornell University Police.
The university will add a case manager to its Office of Civil Rights to help students who report sexual misconduct navigate university procedures and access support.
The measures follow protests and criticism from students, faculty members, alumni and donors over the university’s response to the allegations. Faculty members have also been considering a no-confidence resolution concerning the administration.
What the Lawsuit Alleges
The controversy centres on a civil lawsuit filed in September by a former undergraduate student identified in court documents as Jane Doe. She alleges that seven men sexually assaulted her during a party at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024.
According to the lawsuit, she was in an intoxicated and incapacitated state when the alleged assault occurred. The case has prompted questions about how the university and local authorities handled her initial report.
Cornell closed the Chi Phi chapter and imposed disciplinary measures on some students following its internal investigation. However, none of the seven men named in the lawsuit had been criminally charged in the case as of the latest reports.
The accused men have denied wrongdoing, according to ABC News. The allegations remain subject to legal proceedings and should not be treated as established criminal findings.
State-Level Review Underway
New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed state Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor in the case earlier in October. The appointment followed concerns about the handling of the investigation by local authorities.
The state-level investigation could lead to further legal action if evidence warrants it. Separately, Cornell has engaged former US Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to review the university’s handling of sexual misconduct complaints.
The university’s latest measures are intended to address concerns about campus safety, accountability and the way reports of sexual misconduct are investigated.
What Happens Next?
The fraternity-party suspension will remain in place through the end of the 2026–27 academic year. Cornell has also said it will explore safer alternatives for student social activities.
The outcome of the state investigation, the civil lawsuit and the university’s independent review may shape further changes to campus policies. No final criminal determination has been announced in the case.