Cornell president calls alleged gang rape 'deeply disturbing,' pledges greater transparency
Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff has pledged transparency and an independent review following allegations of a gang rape at a fraternity house. The New York Attorney General has been appointed as a special prosecutor to oversee the criminal investigation.
Why it matters
The case highlights systemic issues regarding sexual assault, campus culture, and the accountability of educational institutions in handling criminal allegations.
In an eight-minute video message to the Cornell community, Michael Kotlikoff described the past week as one of the most difficult in the university's history and acknowledged troubling questions about the investigations that followed the allegations.
What Cornell's alleged rape case and the Hockey Canada trial's striking parallels reveal
"My heart aches when I think of what she experienced," Kotlikoff said. "It raises heartbreaking and troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanization and aspects of party culture, alcohol and drug use."
Kotlikoff reaffirmed his commitment to supporting an independent review of Cornell's handling of the case called for by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and said the school's board of trustees would announce details next week. He also expressed support for Hochul's decision to turn the criminal investigation over to the state attorney general.
N.Y. governor appoints special prosecutor to Cornell sexual assault case
Also covering this story
12 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Women declare #IamJaneDoe in solidarity with Cornell University rape victim
Gang rape case at Cornell University exposes sexual violence at US colleges
How the Cornell case is affecting women who have experienced sexual assault
Cornell president says university 'must do better' after frat house rape allegations
"I Am Jane Doe": Women Share Their Experiences After Cornell University Rape
Cornell University to take ‘serious look’ at fraternities after rape allegations
Cornell president vows review in wake of alleged student gang rape
Cornell University police made drug arrest hours before alleged sexual assault
Cornell University president vows action on fraternity sexual assault case
New York governor slams handling of Cornell fraternity gang-rape allegations
Cornell University president says school 'must do better' after rape allegations
Cornell president calls alleged gang rape 'deeply disturbing'
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in