Cornell president speaks out for the first time on alleged gang rape saying his ‘heart aches’ over ‘troubling issues’… while adding he supports Letitia James’s investigation into ‘deeply disturbing’ case
The President of Cornell University has broken his silence over the alleged gang rape on campus that caused a firestorm of outrage over the college’s response.
A lawsuit filed in September by a female student detailed alleged horrific abuse she endured at the campus’s Chi Phi fraternity house, accusing seven male students of raping and sexually assaulting her while she was intoxicated.
Questions loomed over why the district attorney’s office failed to investigate the claims, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor in the case.
Following the probe, Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff shared a video message online expressing support for the governor’s decision.
He confessed that questions have been raised about the university’s handling of the case two years ago and vowed to do better.
Kotlikoff said he ‘welcomed’ an investigation into Cornell’s handling and supported the governor’s decision to appoint James, adding that campus administration will support legislative efforts to strengthen laws on sexual assault and intoxication.
He called the days following the lawsuit ‘one of the most difficult weeks’ in Cornell history, adding that he acknowledged students were ‘angry, sad and struggling.’
‘What happened to Jane Doe in 2024 is deeply disturbing and will weigh heavily on our community for years to come,’ the president continued.
A female student at Cornell University has alleged in a recent lawsuit that she was raped by multiple fraternity members in 2024 at the Chi Phi fraternity house
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff said in a video message on Saturday that administration welcomed an investigation into the university’s handling of the 2024 rape case
The lawsuit included alleged messages on Snapchat of Chi Phi members discussing the incident
‘My heart aches when I think of what she experienced. It raises heartbreaking and troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanization and aspects of party culture, alcohol and drug use.’
‘We must do everything we can to prevent what happened to Jane Doe, and everyone before her, and anyone after her, from ever happening again.’
Kotlikoff promised to improve campus culture and ensure students understand consent moving forward.
He added that campus administration would make a ‘greater effort’ to be transparent with students.
Kotlikoff said there will be announcements in the coming weeks for broader conversations, including the role that Greek life plays on campus.
The president concluded that Cornell was ‘listening, learning and committed to communicating more openly.’
‘This is a defining moment in Cornell’s history. We must lead the way. We owe it to Jane Doe and to survivors of assault to get this right, and we must keep each other safe,’ he said.
This is a developing story…
