Cornell president vows review in wake of alleged student gang rape
Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff has announced an independent external review into the institution's handling of a 2024 alleged gang rape case. The decision follows public outcry and a lawsuit claiming the university and prosecutors failed to act on the victim's report.
Why it matters
The case highlights critical issues regarding institutional accountability and the handling of sexual assault allegations within elite academic environments.
A student walks by a sign at the entrance of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, US, on Oct 1, 2026. (File photo: Reuters/Lauren Petracca)
NEW YORK: The president of Cornell University voiced support Saturday (Oct 3) for an external review of the institution facing widespread outcry over the alleged gang rape of a student in 2024.
The incident was detailed in a graphic lawsuit filed last month, drawing harsh backlash against the Ivy League institution and New York prosecutors for not filing any criminal charges against the accused perpetrators.
"In conjunction with our board of trustees, I welcome the independent review by an outside law firm into all aspects of Cornell's handling of the 2024 matter," President Michael Kotlikoff said in a video shared on Cornell's website.
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