Cornell cancels fraternity parties over sexual assault case
Cornell University has banned all fraternity parties for the remainder of the school year following a lawsuit regarding a 2024 sexual assault. The university is also implementing new support measures for survivors of sexual misconduct.
Why it matters
The decision reflects growing institutional pressure to address campus safety and the systemic issues associated with fraternity culture in the US.
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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