Cornell University president Michael Kotlikoff has spoken about the 2024 campus gang rape allegations describing them as deeply disturbing. The case gained renewed attention after local authorities reopened a criminal probe to assess possible charges. In a video message Kotlikoff expressed that the incident involving Jane Doe would burden the community for years and highlighted broader concerns around sexual assault dehumanization party culture alcohol and drug use. He noted the week had been one of the hardest in university history with many feeling anger sadness and distress.
Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit on September 16 against seven men all members of the Chi Phi fraternity. She reported the alleged October 19-20 2024 assault to campus police on November 8 stating she was certain she had been raped. Prosecutors initially declined charges citing insufficient evidence. New York Governor Kathy Hochul later removed the original district attorney and named a special prosecutor for the reopened inquiry. Kotlikoff supported this step questioned the first investigation and pledged better prevention efforts plus a review of the university response to sexual assault cases stressing the need to protect the community and support survivors.
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