In brief
Cornell University announced a year‑long ban on fraternity parties after a woman filed a lawsuit alleging she was drugged and assaulted at a 2024 frat house event. President Michael Kotlikoff said the university would suspend anyone violating the new policy and double its support services for survivors. State officials criticized the handling of the case, and New York prosecutors are now investigating. Cornell plans to bring in national experts to review campus sexual‑violence prevention practices.
Cornell University has banned all parties at fraternity houses for the rest of the academic year.
The move follows a lawsuit filed by a woman—known as Jane Doe—who says she was drugged and raped at a 2024 party in a Cornell fraternity house.
President Michael Kotlikoff apologized for the victim’s experience and announced that anyone breaking the new party ban would face suspension.
He also committed to improving support for survivors, adding more staff to help students report misconduct and navigate the legal process.
State officials and local prosecutors have criticized how the case was handled, and New York’s Attorney General is overseeing a fresh investigation. The university will bring in national sexual‑violence prevention experts to review campus policies.
These steps aim to create safer campus environments and rebuild trust among students and the wider community.
