Cornell President Vows Action on Gang Rape Case, Acknowledges Failures
President Michael Kotlikoff calls the allegations 'deeply disturbing' and a 'defining moment' for the university.
Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff has issued a video message acknowledging the severity of a gang rape case involving members of the Chi Phi fraternity and vowing that the university "must do better." The case, involving allegations by a former student of a 2024 rape, has prompted state Attorney General Letitia James to take over a criminal probe.
Kotlikoff described the events as "deeply disturbing" and a "defining moment" for the university community. In an eight-minute statement, he addressed issues of sexual assault, dehumanization, and aspects of party culture, including alcohol and drug use. He announced that the university’s board will engage an independent law firm to review the institution’s handling of the case.
The university established the "presidential task force on sexual assault" in 2025 to develop recommendations for prevention and to improve the context in which sexual assaults occur. "I believe that change starts with us, the Cornell community," Kotlikoff stated.
The president's remarks come amidst significant campus unrest. All fraternity social events have been canceled for the weekend, and student groups are planning protests for Monday. This action follows public outcry over perceived inaction by law enforcement and university administration.
