# Cornell case renews scrutiny of fraternities > A sexual assault lawsuit against Cornell University and seven fraternity members has prompted the university to examine Greek life and raised questions about accountability on campus. - Title: Cornell case renews scrutiny of fraternities · TIME | Shortify - Summary: A sexual assault lawsuit against Cornell University and seven fraternity members has prompted the university to examine Greek life and raised questions about… - Keywords: cornell university, chi phi fraternity, sexual assault, jane doe, title ix, greek life, letitia james, kathy hochul, new york, campus safety, Cornell, case - Source: TIME — https://time.com/article/2026/10/05/cornell-university-sexual-assault-allegations-fraternity-jane-doe-lawsuit - Author: Miranda Jeyaretnam - Published: 2026-10-05T11:00:00+00:00 - Read time: 3 min - Topics: cornell university, chi phi fraternity, sexual assault, jane doe, title ix, greek life, letitia james, kathy hochul, new york, campus safety ## Cornell examines fraternities Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff said Saturday the school would take a serious look at the role of fraternities and sororities in campus life following sexual assault allegations. ## What Kotlikoff said about Greek life Kotlikoff said fraternities can provide friendship, belonging and mentorship, but being part of a group can never diminish individual responsibility for protecting others' safety. > But being part of a group can never diminish individual responsibility. ## The lawsuit against Cornell A civil lawsuit filed last month names Cornell and seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity as defendants. The plaintiff, anonymized as Jane Doe, alleged she was sexually assaulted on October nineteen, twenty twenty-four. ## Jane Doe's allegations Jane Doe alleged she was sexually assaulted and pressured to take drugs and alcohol on the night of October nineteen, twenty twenty-four, and that the university failed to protect her and mishandled its response. ## The defendants deny wrongdoing The lawsuit names seven current and former students as defendants. All seven have denied any wrongdoing in connection with the allegations. ## New York appoints special prosecutor New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, appointed the state's Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor of the case on Thursday, citing a loss of confidence in the local prosecutor's ability. ## Lawmakers review consent law New York lawmakers said they were reviewing the state's legal definition of consent while voluntarily intoxicated, following criticism of how the case was handled by local authorities. ## Cornell's disciplinary measures Cornell banned the Chi Phi fraternity from campus and launched a Title IX investigation in twenty twenty-five. Two members were expelled for sexual assault. Others received suspensions, probation, or required to write reflection papers. ## Threats against Jane Doe Thomas Giuffra, Jane Doe's attorney, told CNN that people have threatened to harm her if she does not withdraw her civil lawsuit. There have also been multiple attempts to doxx her. ## Mistaken identities from doxxing Attempts to doxx Jane Doe have resulted in at least three other women being mistakenly identified as her and receiving threats intended for the plaintiff. ## Solidarity campaign on social media Thousands of people have posted I am Jane Doe on social media to counter doxxing attempts and show solidarity. The posts have also become a way for survivors to share their own experiences of sexual assault. ## Accountability concerns raised The lawsuit has brought scrutiny to Cornell's Title IX process, especially over claims that some alleged perpetrators were afforded the opportunity to mitigate disciplinary sentences by writing essays. ## Jane Doe withdrew from Cornell Jane Doe ultimately withdrew from the university amid what the lawsuit described as a lack of institutional support. Her attorney said most of the men will graduate with a Cornell diploma. > With the exception of two of these men, all of them will be able to graduate with a Cornell diploma and live their lives reaping the benefits of this coveted degree. ## Prosecutor's handling questioned The Tompkins County District Attorney did not prosecute in twenty twenty-four. Governor Hochul criticized prosecutors for relying on an incomplete account, asking why the district attorney did not even interview Jane Doe. > In what world does the district attorney not even interview her, or anyone else involved, or even request the full transcript? ## Hochul backs consent law change Governor Hochul said she supports proposals to amend New York's rape law. She said if someone is too intoxicated to consent, it should not matter whether they chose to use drugs or alcohol. > If someone is too intoxicated to consent, it should not matter whether they chose to use drugs or alcohol. ## James pledges investigation Attorney General Letitia James, appointed special prosecutor, pledged to conduct an investigation based on fact and law. She said her office will review facts, gather evidence, interview witnesses and pursue prosecutions if warranted. > We will review the facts, gather evidence, interview witnesses and, if warranted, pursue prosecutions. ## Trump criticizes James appointment President Donald Trump criticized the appointment of Letitia James as special prosecutor, calling her a corrupt person. He has publicly feuded with James since she brought a civil fraud case against him and his family in twenty twenty-two. ## Key takeaway Cornell University is reviewing its fraternities and sororities after a sexual assault lawsuit against seven Chi Phi members, while New York's attorney general has been appointed special prosecutor to investigate the case.