# Cornell rape case exposes consent education gaps

> Consent education fails to address root causes of sexual assault.
- Title: Cornell rape case exposes consent education gaps | Shortify
- Summary: Consent education fails to address root causes of sexual assault. Consent education programs don't reduce sexual assault rates despite shifting attitudes.
- Keywords: cornell, consent education, sexual assault, fraternities, university, rape, campus safety, nyc, sex ed policy, york university, georgetown law, columbia university
- Source: Mother Jones — https://motherjones.com/politics/2026/10/cornell-rape-case-sexual-assault-frats-consent-education
- Author: Inae Oh
- Published: 2026-10-13T08:08:59+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cornell, consent education, sexual assault, fraternities, university, rape, campus safety, nyc, sex ed policy, york university, georgetown law, columbia university
## Cornell rape allegations spark national debate
Students rally on Cornell University campus protesting sexual assault claims and university actions.
## How do we educate boys to avoid rape?
Parents struggle to raise sons who won’t rape women and stand up to perpetrators.
## Consent education history
Consent discussions have inspired two Saturday Night Live skits across 25 years.
## Consent is not the solution
Experts say consent education ignores deeper issues like power dynamics and misogyny.

> Sexual assault has nothing to do with consent
## Why do men rape?
Rapists seek power and control over women, not just consent.
## Psychological roots of rape
Rape attracts perpetrators through power dynamics and control.
## Sex education gaps
New York lacks mandatory medically accurate sex education.
## Consent education's limitations
Consent programs don't reduce sexual assault despite changing attitudes.
## Why consent education fails
Changing beliefs doesn't stop rape.
## School-based programs work
Safe Dates program reduces reported rape perpetration.
## Fraternities as power centers
Fraternities concentrate power through masculinity, wealth, and social control.
## What happens next?
Cornell officials face pressure to ban fraternities and improve sex education.
## Key takeaway

Consent education programs don't reduce sexual assault rates despite shifting attitudes.