From The Boston Globe · · 1m 10s
Cornell Students Demand Trust in Sexual Assault Investigations
Cornell students want institutions to earn trust after Jane Doe's sexual assault allegations.
In brief
Cornell students want institutions to earn trust after Jane Doe's sexual assault allegations. Cornell must share findings from Sally Yates' independent review to rebuild student trust in sexual assault investigations. Originally reported by The Boston Globe.
Jane Doe allegations
Students marched for changes after Jane Doe accused multiple Chi Phi fraternity members of sexual assault in October 2024.
“Jane Doe alleges that she was sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members after becoming incapacitated.”
Investigation delays
Tompkins County district attorney Matthew Van Houten initially declined to act on Jane Doe's case after reviewing a six-page police summary.
“Matthew Van Houten initially declined to move forward after reviewing a six-page police summary of Jane Doe’s interviews.”
Criminal case status
New York Attorney General Letitia James now serves as special prosecutor after Van Houten reopened the case.
“New York Attorney General Letitia James is now serving as special prosecutor in a renewed investigation.”
University response
Cornell suspended Chi Phi, conducted 50 interviews with 32 witnesses and 12 days of hearings, and expelled some students.
“Cornell suspended Chi Phi, conducted an internal investigation involving 50 interviews with 32 witnesses and 12 days of hearings.”
Yates review
Cornell retained former US deputy attorney general Sally Yates to lead an independent review of sexual misconduct responses.
“Cornell has now retained a former US deputy attorney general, Sally Yates, to lead an independent review of how the university prevents and responds to sexual misconduct.”
Student concerns
35 percent of Cornell undergraduate women reported sexual assault in a 2025 survey, though the response rate was only 13 percent.
“In a 2025 survey by the university, 35 percent of undergraduate women who responded reported experiencing sexual assault during their time at Cornell.”
Trust requirement
Cornell must share Yates' review findings to rebuild student trust in sexual assault investigations.
“Cornell should follow through on its promise to share her review’s findings and recommendations.”
The headline
Cornell must share findings from Sally Yates' independent review to rebuild student trust in sexual assault investigations.
