Cornell Expels Two Students, Suspends Others After Rape Allegations
University disciplinary actions follow a lawsuit alleging gang rape at the Chi Phi fraternity; criminal charges were not filed.
Two Cornell University students have been expelled and others suspended following an investigation into allegations of sexual assault within the Chi Phi fraternity. The disciplinary actions come after a former student, identified as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit in October 2024, alleging she was drugged and gang-raped by seven fraternity members.
University officials concluded that only Matthew Ingalls, who invited Doe to the fraternity house, and Jonathan Newell, who allegedly engaged in a threesome with Doe and Ingalls, were responsible for sexual assault. Both were expelled from the university. Records indicate campus officials found Ingalls to be manipulative and exploitative, while Doe reported that Newell struck her buttocks forcefully enough to leave bruises and manipulated her into taking ketamine.
Other fraternity members received lesser punishments. Winston Lee and Gillio Lopes, accused of non-consensual sexual acts and oral sex, were each suspended for multiple semesters and placed on disciplinary probation. Diego Sarabia was barred from campus for three years. Scott Norris and Scott Kretzschmar, accused of entering the room after a fraternity Snapchat group advertised "free pussy" upstairs, were ordered to undergo education on sexual harassment and social media use, and to write reflection papers. They were not found responsible for sexual assault.
The Tompkins County District Attorney's office had previously stated there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against any of the accused individuals.
Jane Doe's lawsuit claims she arrived at the fraternity house intoxicated and was pressured to consume ketamine, marijuana, and alcohol before being assaulted. She alleges she became incapacitated and the abuse continued until she lost consciousness. Doe subsequently withdrew from Cornell.
In the aftermath of the lawsuit, protests erupted on campus, with student organizations calling for accountability, transparency, and revisions to the university's sexual assault policies. Some demanded the expulsion of all accused students and the revocation of diplomas for those who had already graduated. Protesters also called for the resignation of University President Michael Kotlikoff.
Governor Kathy Hochul appointed New York Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to investigate the case. President Kotlikoff stated that the university welcomes an independent investigation into its handling of the matter. In a video message, Kotlikoff acknowledged the community's anger and sadness, calling the incident deeply disturbing and a defining moment for Cornell. He pledged to improve campus culture, enhance transparency, and address the role of Greek life.