Cornell bans fraternity parties

Cornell University announced on Tuesday that it is barring fraternity houses from hosting parties for the remainder of the academic year to strengthen campus safety.

The lawsuit that prompted action

A woman known as Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit about a month ago against Cornell, the Chi Phi fraternity, and seven Chi Phi members she alleges sexually assaulted her in 2024.

Campus protests and criticism

Hundreds of students and staff held a protest on campus earlier this month, with some calling for President Kotlikoff to resign and others chanting 'Ban the frats!'

“Ban the frats!”

Kotlikoff's response to backlash

President Michael I. Kotlikoff said in a letter that campus protests have underscored his conviction that meaningful and lasting change at Cornell and campuses across the country is now necessary.

“the time for meaningful and lasting change at Cornell, and at campuses across the country, is now”

Measures beyond the party ban

Cornell will allow New York State Police to independently investigate sexual assault allegations, strengthen support for survivors by adding staff to the Office of Civil Rights, and enhance education addressing the bystander effect.

Independent review and enforcement

Cornell's Board of Trustees announced that Sally Yates, a former acting U.S.attorney general, will lead an independent review into how the school handled the case.