Cornell President Addresses Campus Gang Rape Allegations

Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff has broken his silence regarding an alleged gang rape on campus, stating that his "heart aches" over "troubling issues" and expressing support for New York Attorney General Letitia James's investigation into the "deeply disturbing" case.

In a video message released online, Kotlikoff acknowledged the university's handling of the incident, which occurred in 2024, and vowed to improve. He welcomed the investigation into Cornell's response and backed Governor Kathy Hochul's decision to appoint James as a special prosecutor. The university administration will also support legislative efforts to strengthen laws concerning sexual assault and intoxication.

Kotlikoff described the period following the filing of a lawsuit in September, detailing the alleged abuse of a female student at the campus's Chi Phi fraternity house by seven male students while she was intoxicated, as "one of the most difficult weeks" in Cornell's history. He recognized that students were "angry, sad and struggling."

"What happened to Jane Doe in 2024 is deeply disturbing and will weigh heavily on our community for years to come," Kotlikoff stated. "My heart aches when I think of what she experienced. It raises heartbreaking and troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanization and aspects of party culture, alcohol and drug use." He emphasized the need to prevent such incidents from happening again.

The president promised to enhance campus culture and ensure students understand consent. He also pledged a "greater effort" towards transparency with students and announced upcoming broader conversations, including the role of Greek life on campus.

"This is a defining moment in Cornell's history. We must lead the way. We owe it to Jane Doe and to survivors of assault to get this right, and we must keep each other safe," Kotlikoff concluded. He stated that Cornell was "listening, learning and committed to communicating more openly."