Student alleges gang rape at fraternity

A former Cornell University student known as Jane Doe alleged she was gang raped in two thousand twenty-four at the Chi Phi fraternity house.

President questioned her delayed report

Jane Doe says President Michael Kotlikoff asked her sorority president why she waited so long to report the assault. Her sorority sister interpreted his question as doubt in her story's truthfulness.

“Why did she wait so long to report it?”

She felt unsupported by the president

When her sorority president relayed the conversation, Jane Doe said she felt unsupported and disbelieved by Kotlikoff. She lost confidence in the administration's ability to handle her experience with sensitivity and fairness.

“I felt unsupported and disbelieved by President Kotlikoff”

Cornell disputes the account

A Cornell University spokesperson said the second-hand account in Jane Doe's letter was incorrect. Kotlikoff's question was directed at bystanders who did not use the anonymous tip line, not at Jane Doe's credibility.

Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit

Jane Doe, now twenty-two and dropped out of Cornell, filed a civil suit against the men and the university. She alleged she was drugged and raped. All seven fraternity brothers named have denied wrongdoing.

Faculty senate considers no-confidence vote

Jane Doe sent a letter to the faculty senate before they introduced a resolution of no confidence in President Kotlikoff and the university administration. She wanted members to have information to make an informed choice.

Prosecutor defended his decision

District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said Jane Doe's November two thousand twenty-four statement described her participation in drug use and sexual conduct as voluntary, conscious, and consensual, not supporting criminal charges.

County approves independent review

The Tompkins County Legislature voted fourteen to two to authorize an independent comprehensive review of the prosecutor's office. The review will examine the handling of sexual assault cases following the Jane Doe case decision.

Prosecutor commits to cooperation

District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said he was one hundred percent in favor of transparency and willing to cooperate with the independent review. He said the goal is to improve practices and do better.

“I am 100% in favor of transparency and absolutely willing to cooperate”

Attorney General appointed special prosecutor

After Jane Doe filed her civil suit, Governor Kathy Hochul appointed New York Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor. This followed the governor losing confidence in District Attorney Van Houten's handling of the case.