Cornell Taps Sally Yates for Review of Sexual Assault Response Amidst Controversy

Cornell University has appointed former Deputy U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates to conduct a comprehensive review of the institution's policies and responses to sexual assault. The review will encompass the university's overall approach to preventing and addressing sexual misconduct, as well as a detailed examination of its specific response to allegations involving a student identified as Jane Doe and members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024.

Yates, known for her tenure as Deputy Attorney General under the Obama administration, will assess whether Cornell adhered to its established policies and procedures in handling the 2024 case. The review's scope is broad, including how reports are received and investigated, student support mechanisms, hearing and disciplinary processes, the role of campus police, coordination with external law enforcement, campus safety reporting, and oversight of student organizations, including fraternities and sororities.

The decision to involve Yates comes as Cornell faces heightened scrutiny and student protests following the allegations. The case involves seven former Chi Phi fraternity brothers accused in a lawsuit of drugging and sexually assaulting a female student during an incident in 2024. The accuser alleges she was given ketamine and other substances while intoxicated before the assault. The accused have denied wrongdoing, with some asserting consent and others denying participation. No criminal charges have yet been filed against the individuals.

The situation has evolved into a significant legal and political issue, prompting New York Governor Kathy Hochul to appoint the Office of the Attorney General as special prosecutor. New York Attorney General Letitia James has stated that her office is conducting an active criminal investigation into the matter. Cornell University has separately agreed to an independent review of its handling of the allegations.

Anne Meinig Smalling, chair of the Cornell University Special Committee of the Board of Trustees, emphasized Yates's extensive experience and independent judgment. "The questions raised by the Jane Doe matter warrant a rigorous examination of Cornell’s response to that case, but our responsibility is broader," Smalling said in a statement. "We have asked Ms. Yates and her team to examine Cornell’s overall approach to preventing and responding to sexual misconduct, identify where we are doing things well and where we can do better, and recommend changes that will help make our community safer."