Dozens of Cornell University students, faculty, and supporters gathered in a campus plaza to protest the institution's handling of a sexual assault allegation at a fraternity house. The demonstration occurred as the university's main administration building was found vandalized with graffiti and damage overnight.
Demonstrators wore purple ribbons and carried signs with slogans such as “support survivors, expel rapists” and “Justice 4 every Jane Doe,” referencing the pseudonym used for the woman who reported the assault in court documents. Speakers at the rally expressed frustration with the university administration, with some calling for the resignation of Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff.
"Too often, we are met with silence, we are met with statements, we are met with procedures, but not enough support," said student Athena Holloway. "How much does it take for our university to stand with survivors?"
Speakers criticized fraternities, the university trustees, and the administration, alleging that they have prioritized the university's reputation over student safety. The protesters presented a list of demands, including revisions to the student code of conduct regarding sexual consent, an overhaul of the student discipline system, and the expulsion or degree revocation for students involved in the alleged 2024 assault.
Early Monday, university officials discovered damage to the administration building, including holes in a glass door and graffiti condemning patriarchy and the university's handling of sexual assaults. Cornell spokesperson Kyle Kimball stated that the university was investigating and that "damaging property is not the answer" to the community's "frustration and strong emotions."
The Jane Doe lawsuit alleges she was sexually assaulted by multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024 after being drugged and pressured into drinking. The lawsuit claims she was incapacitated during the assault and that one individual sent messages inviting others to participate. Lawyers for some accused former students have denied the allegations, with some interviewed by Cornell investigators describing the sexual activity as consensual.
No criminal charges have yet been filed. The Cornell chapter of Chi Phi has been shut down, and the university has stated that some students were expelled and others suspended. The administration has pushed back against what it called a "false narrative that there were minimal consequences in this case."
Governor Kathy Hochul has stated that Jane Doe was "failed by people and institutions," including Cornell police and the local District Attorney's office. She appointed the state attorney general to take over the criminal investigation and called for an independent review of the university's actions.
In a video released Saturday, President Kotlikoff acknowledged that Jane Doe's account "raises heartbreaking and troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanization and aspects of party culture, alcohol and drug use." He reaffirmed his support for an independent review and pledged greater transparency and a commitment to finding answers for the community.