Cornell Knew of Drug Activity at Chi Phi Frat Before Alleged Gang Rape, Records Show

Cornell University was aware of significant drug activity at the Chi Phi fraternity house prior to an alleged gang rape occurring there, according to newly surfaced records. University police made a drug-related arrest at the fraternity house on October 19, 2024, and a separate document details a ketamine overdose at the same location around October 18, 2024.

These incidents occurred shortly before a former Cornell student, identified as Jane Doe, claims she was drugged and sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members. The Cornell Police Daily Crime Log confirms a response to Chi Phi at approximately 1:05 a.m. on October 19, 2024, which resulted in one drug-related arrest and a referral to the university's Office of Student Conduct. A Cornell Title IX hearing decision also noted an overdose at Chi Phi involving ketamine.

Doe's lawsuit alleges that Cornell University "knew or should have known" about Chi Phi's history of drug use, including ketamine, and points to a previous police response to a drug-related incident at the house approximately one week before her alleged assault. The lawsuit claims Doe arrived at the Chi Phi house around 11 p.m. on October 19 and was pressured into taking drugs before the assault by multiple fraternity members into the early morning hours of October 20.

Cornell's current Sorority and Fraternity Life policy states that a chapter can be immediately suspended if violations of its rules, which prohibit illegal drugs and require a safe environment, pose health and safety risks. Chi Phi was ultimately suspended on November 8, 2024, after Doe reported the alleged assault to campus police.

Reports from students indicated that the Chi Phi house was known on campus as the "rugby house," with members having a reputation for excessive drinking. The Post found that three of the seven men accused in the lawsuit, referred to as the "Cornell Seven," were members of the Cornell Rugby Football Club. A fourth defendant in the lawsuit, who is not among the seven, also played for the rugby club for at least three years, until 2026.

One of the fraternity members allegedly suggested a threesome and took Doe upstairs. Later, according to the lawsuit, messages in a Snapchat group chat referred to "free p---y." Five fraternity members, along with three others, then went upstairs and snorted ketamine off Doe's body while she was on the bed. The lawsuit states that two fraternity members allegedly remained after the others left, took Doe to another room, administered more ketamine, and engaged in another threesome while she was incapacitated.

While the Cornell Rugby Football Club stated that players affiliated with the alleged events were removed, questions have been raised about the team's knowledge and response. The club issued a statement expressing distress over the allegations after they surfaced. The club's coaches did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Cornell University and Cornell University Police have not yet responded to inquiries regarding these events.