Cornell investigation reopened after 2024 sexual assault allegations

Cornell university collage (Onario Rose / The Puma Prensa)

By Onario Rose, Staff Writer

Cornell University is getting a wave of media attention after prosecutors reopened an investigation into sexual assault allegations made by a former student. The case involves an alleged assault at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024 and has caused major discussion about how Cornell and local authorities handled the situation.

The woman, who is identified as Jane Doe in court documents, filed a civil lawsuit in September 2026 against seven fraternity members, Cornell University, the Chi Phi fraternity, and others. She alleges that she was sexually assaulted by multiple men after becoming intoxicated and that she was unable to consent. The people accused have not been convicted, and some have denied taking part in the assault.

The incident was originally reported to Cornell police in 2024. At the time, the Tompkins County District Attorney's Office decided not to file criminal charges. District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said the information investigators had at the time did not meet the legal requirements needed to prosecute the case.

After the lawsuit was filed and more information became public, Van Houten announced that the investigation would be reopened. He said the evidence could be presented to a grand jury, which could decide whether criminal charges should move forward.

The situation changed again on October 1 when New York governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to oversee the investigation. Hochul said newly released information raised questions about how the original investigation was handled. James said her office would review evidence, interview witnesses and determine whether prosecution is appropriate.

Cornell has said it conducted its own investigation after the 2024 report. The university said some students were disciplined, including expulsions and suspensions, and the Chi Phi chapter was removed from campus. Cornell has also said student privacy laws prevent it from releasing all of the details about the punishments.

The case has now become a major issue on the Cornell campus, with students and officials discussing sexual assault, campus safety and how universities should respond to reports of misconduct.

The investigation is still ongoing, and the allegations have not been proven in criminal court. The next major step will be the review of the evidence by prosecutors and potentially a grand jury.