Cornell Under Fire for Sex Ed Materials Amid Assault Allegations
University faces scrutiny over explicit 'checklist' and 'worksheets' distributed to students, coinciding with a sexual assault investigation.
Cornell University is facing intense criticism for distributing explicit sexual education materials that discuss group sex, BDSM, and drug-influenced encounters. These materials have resurfaced as the university grapples with allegations of a gang-rape involving fraternity members.
The materials, produced by Cornell Health, include a 2019 worksheet titled 'Yes, No, Maybe So: A Sexual Inventory Stocklist.' This checklist prompted students to consider activities such as engaging in sex with multiple partners simultaneously, having sex after consuming alcohol or recreational drugs, and exploring open or non-exclusive relationships. Another document, 'Sexual Pleasure: Finding the Sweet Spot,' reportedly addresses BDSM, fetish equipment, and sex toys.
Critics argue that the explicit nature of these documents blurs the lines of consent and sends a troubling message to students. Jared Lederman, a Cornell senior who brought attention to the checklist, suggested that the university's promotion of certain sexual acts could inadvertently contribute to situations involving disputed consent, although there is no evidence directly linking the materials to the alleged assault.
Cornell Health stated the documents were intended to foster conversations about sexual preferences and boundaries. However, the timing of their renewed scrutiny coincides with an alleged ketamine-fueled sexual assault at the university's Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. The incident led to the fraternity's chapter being shut down in 2024 and barred from campus.
Sexual Assault Allegations and Investigation
In October 2024, a former student, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, alleges she was drugged and sexually assaulted by multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity during a gathering. Her civil lawsuit claims she was given ketamine, marijuana, and alcohol before being subjected to non-consensual sexual acts. The lawsuit also details disturbing Snapchat messages allegedly exchanged by fraternity members during the incident, including one that stated 'free p***y' and another that said 'you can walk in and whip it out.'
Cornell conducted an internal Title IX investigation, leading to the expulsion of at least two students named in the lawsuit, including Matthew Ingalls. The university also suspended other students and shut down the Chi Phi chapter.
The handling of the criminal allegations has also drawn controversy. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten initially declined to prosecute, citing evidence that suggested the sexual activity was 'voluntary, conscious and consensual.' However, Jane Doe's attorney disputed this, claiming that crucial allegations were omitted from the police summary provided to prosecutors.
Following widespread student protests and public outcry, New York Governor Kathy Hochul removed Van Houten from the case and appointed State Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor. James has stated her investigation could take months.
Cornell University has also engaged former US Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to conduct an independent review of the university's procedures for handling sexual assault complaints, disciplinary proceedings, and campus policing. Students have organized protests, including sit-ins and demonstrations, demanding greater accountability for sexual misconduct on campus.