Cornell bans all fraternity parties over gang sex assault allegations
Cornell University has banned all fraternity parties for the remainder of the academic year following a lawsuit alleging a gang sexual assault in 2024. The university president acknowledged institutional failures and pledged to improve support systems for sexual assault survivors.
Why it matters
This decision reflects a broader trend of universities facing intense pressure to reform campus social cultures and improve handling of sexual misconduct allegations.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, State officials and others have criticised how Cornell and local prosecutors handled the case
Cornell University is banning all parties at fraternity houses as the school faces backlash over its handling of an alleged sexual assault on campus two years ago.
Last month, a woman known as Jane Doe filed a lawsuit alleging she was plied with drugs and raped by several men in 2024 at a party at a Cornell fraternity house.
In a statement on Tuesday, Cornell's president, Michael Kotlikoff, announced a series of measures responding to the alleged assault, including the end to fraternity parties for the rest of the school year.
"I am deeply sorry for the harm Jane Doe suffered in 2024, and appalled that this act of sexual violence occurred within our Cornell community," he said.
Figure caption, Cornell students voice frustration at public hearing over rape case
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