New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced an agreement allowing state police to investigate sexual assault complaints at Cornell University following criticism of the university’s response to allegations made by a former student.
The agreement, signed Thursday between Cornell University and the New York State Police, establishes state police as the default investigators. However, survivors who choose to pursue criminal charges can decide whether state police or Cornell University Police will lead their cases.
The university also confirmed that survivors may request investigations by Ithaca Police or the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office.
Hochul said every student should feel safe on campus and emphasized that individuals reporting sexual assault must be treated with compassion and have their allegations investigated seriously by law enforcement officers trained to support survivors.
The agreement follows growing criticism of Cornell’s handling of allegations involving a former student identified as Jane Doe in a civil lawsuit. She claims that seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity pressured her into consuming drugs before sexually assaulting her at a fraternity house in October 2024.
The woman initially reported the alleged incident to Cornell University Police. Although the local district attorney initially declined to pursue criminal charges, the investigation was reopened in September 2026.
Attorneys representing some of the men accused in the case have denied the allegations. The claims have not yet been established in court.
In response to the controversy, Hochul appointed New York Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to supervise the criminal investigation.
Separately, former US Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates was selected to conduct an independent review of how Cornell University handles complaints involving sexual misconduct.
The university stated that the new arrangement became effective immediately and would remain operational while the independent review continues.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE