Cornell University Bans Fraternity Parties After Student's Sexual Assault
Cornell University has suspended all fraternity parties for the remainder of the academic year following public outcry over the handling of a 2024 sexual assault case. The university is also implementing a zero-tolerance policy and involving state police in future sexual misconduct investigations.
Why it matters
The decision highlights the growing pressure on American universities to reform Greek life culture and improve transparency in handling sexual assault allegations.
Cornell University is suspending parties and other social events at fraternity houses for the rest of the academic year and will give the New York State Police a role in investigating sex crimes on campus, university officials announced Tuesday, amid mounting outrage over its handling of allegations that a female student was sexually assaulted at a fraternity house in 2024.The measures announced by Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff include a suspension of all parties and social events at Interfraternity Council houses through the end of the 2026-27 academic year and a new "zero tolerance" policy for violations that would result in the immediate emergency suspension of a chapter."These measures will provide time for a thorough review of fraternity life at Cornell to determine whether and how it can safely continue," Kotlikoff wrote in a letter to the campus community.Cornell has more than 20 active fraternities affiliated with its Interfraternity Council.
Also covering this story
2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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