Cornell University president vows action on fraternity sexual assault case

Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff said Saturday that the institution "must do better" as it faces questions over its response to sexual assault allegations involving seven former fraternity brothers. "What happened to Jane Doe in 2024 is deeply disturbing and will weigh heavily on our community for years to come. My heart aches when I think of what she experienced," Kotlikoff said in a video statement to the Cornell community. Kotlikoff said the case raises questions about sexual assault, campus party culture, alcohol and drug abuse on the Ithaca, New York, campus, as well as the investigation conducted after the allegations were reported. "I want to acknowledge something that can be difficult for an institution to say we don't have all the answers, but we are committed to investigating and finding the answers our community deserves.