Blakeman Accuses Hochul of Negligence on Cornell Sexual Assault Probe in Debate

During a heated New York gubernatorial debate, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman strongly criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul for her administration's response to allegations of sexual assault at Cornell University, where the local District Attorney recently dropped the case.

Blakeman accused Hochul of failing to act as a trustee for the university, which receives significant state funding. "Kathy Hochul has already prejudged this case," Blakeman stated. "What I have to say to you, Kathy, is as follows. Where were you? What did you do for the trustee of Cornell University?"

He questioned Hochul's actions and inactions, pointing to the state's $150 million annual funding for Cornell. "You were the governor of the state. You funded Cornell University to the tune of $150 million a year. As a partner of the state of New York and as a trustee and as governor, you didn’t call for an independent investigation," Blakeman argued. "When you find out that the district attorney was dropping the case, shame on you."

Gov. Hochul attempted to deflect the criticism, responding, "That’s pretty pathetic to blame me for what happened in a fraternity." Blakeman, however, pressed his point, asking, "No. Why didn’t you call the investigation afterwards? Do you deny that you were a trustee there. Are you a member of the board?"

The exchange highlighted differing approaches to handling allegations on college campuses, particularly concerning institutions that receive state funding and have ties to public officials.