Anonymous Plaintiff in Cornell Sexual Assault Lawsuit to Remain Secret, Judge Rules

A New York judge has ruled that a former Cornell University student, identified only as Jane Doe, can pursue her sexual assault claim against the university and seven fraternity members while remaining anonymous. The decision, made on Friday by Judge Phaedra Perry-Bond, acknowledged the notoriety surrounding the allegations and concerns about online harassment.

"The Court is cognizant that some members of the public have made it their mission to try and identify Jane Doe, and have likewise tried to use what they believe to be Jane Doe's identity to harass and threaten certain individuals allegedly tied to her," the judge wrote in her opinion. The court issued a caution that cyberstalking and engaging in threats across state lines, whether directed at Doe, the named defendants, or their attorneys, could be considered a federal crime.

Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit alleging she was drugged and gang-raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. The seven men named in the lawsuit have denied any wrongdoing, and no criminal charges have been filed in the case. Doe's attorney has previously stated that his client and her family have faced threats, doxxing, and other forms of harassment.

The New York Attorney General's office is investigating the incident, with Cornell University also conducting its own internal probe into its response to the allegations. The university has stated that it takes allegations of sexual violence "extremely seriously" and is committed to improving campus safety.

The case has drawn significant attention, sparking broader conversations about the handling of sexual assault allegations on college campuses nationwide.