From Mother Jones · Sophie Hurwitz · · 1m
Cornell bans frats after sexual assault lawsuit
Cornell University pauses fraternity parties following a sexual assault lawsuit against Chi Phi fraternity members.
In brief
Cornell University pauses fraternity parties following a sexual assault lawsuit against Chi Phi fraternity members. Cornell University banned campus fraternity parties for the 2026-27 academic year after a student accused seven Chi Phi members of gang rape in 2024. Originally reported by Mother Jones.
Cornell bans fraternities
Cornell University canceled all fraternity parties for the remainder of the 2026-27 academic year.
Sexual assault lawsuit
A student filed a lawsuit against seven Chi Phi fraternity members alleging gang rape in 2024.
“I can say with 100 percent confidence I was raped”
University president response
President Michael Kotlikoff said the ban would allow time for a thorough review of fraternity life.
Police investigation
Campus police will investigate on-campus sexual assault allegations with no transcript shared with district attorney.
Ithaca city action
Ithaca suspended all new Cornell-affiliated event permits, primarily affecting fraternities.
Broader context
Three major state universities suspended fraternities this month amid hazing and assault allegations.
The short version
Cornell University banned campus fraternity parties for the 2026-27 academic year after a student accused seven Chi Phi members of gang rape in 2024.
