Cornell Sex-Ed Checklist Prompts Criticism Amid Fraternity Scandal
University's sexual health materials, including a guide on group sex and drug-influenced encounters, draw scrutiny following a rape lawsuit.
Cornell University is facing criticism over its sexual health education materials, particularly a 2019 checklist that includes prompts about group sex and sex under the influence of substances. The backlash intensified following a civil lawsuit alleging gang rape by members of the Chi Phi fraternity.
The Cornell Health publication, titled “Yes, No, Maybe So: A Sexual Inventory Stocklist,” asks students to consider activities such as "Sex of some kind(s) with three partners at a time," "Sex of some kind(s) with more than three partners at a time," and engaging in sexual relations while under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs.
Sex Education Materials Under Fire
Critics argue that these materials create a permissive environment for potentially harmful sexual encounters. Jared Lederman, a Cornell student who first reported on the checklist, stated that while the university isn't directly responsible for the alleged assault, the promotion of group sex acts could contribute to non-consensual situations by blurring boundaries.
Other sex-ed resources reportedly distributed by Cornell Health included a worksheet titled “Sexual Pleasure: Finding the ‘Sweet Spot,’” which delves into topics like BDSM, fetish gear, and sex toys. Another worksheet, “Sensate Focus,” reportedly covers mutual touching.
Until April, Cornell reportedly encouraged Resident Advisors (RAs) to display such materials on bulletin boards in dormitories, according to an archived Cornell Sexual Health campaign website.
Lawsuit Details Emerge
The controversy surrounding the sex-ed materials comes to a head following a lawsuit filed in September by a former student, identified as Jane Doe. She alleges she was drugged and gang-raped by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024. The lawsuit claims she experienced non-consensual sex with four individuals while intoxicated and under the influence of ketamine.
Texts exchanged within the fraternity group chat, reportedly involving the accused students, included explicit and alarming messages, according to published reports. These messages have added to the outrage surrounding the incident.
Critics have labeled the university's approach to sex education as an example of "woke policies run amok," suggesting that a progressive approach has led to the erosion of boundaries in sexual relationships, with potentially dangerous consequences.
Cornell University has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the controversy.