Cornell University Faces Second Rape Allegation Amid Ongoing Scrutiny

Cornell University is investigating a second report of rape on campus, surfacing just days after a former student filed a civil lawsuit accusing seven fraternity brothers of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 2024. The latest allegation was reported to Cornell University Police on September 23, with the incident reportedly occurring four days prior in Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hall, a student residence.

University police interviewed the individual accused in the report, who maintained that the encounter was consensual. The status of the investigation remains unclear, as the rape report is listed as ‘pending’ on the university's online crime log. The Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office has been contacted regarding potential prosecutorial involvement.

This new allegation surfaces as the Ivy League university faces increased scrutiny over a civil lawsuit filed earlier this month. The lawsuit details an alleged attack in October 2024 at the Chi Phi fraternity house, where a former student, identified as Jane Doe, claims she was given alcohol and ketamine before being repeatedly sexually assaulted.

The lawsuit contends that during the alleged assault, a message was sent to a fraternity Snapchat group stating there was "free p***y" upstairs, referring to Doe. The complaint alleges further assaults occurred until Doe lost consciousness. While no criminal charges were filed at the time, prosecutors stated Doe's initial account to police described the drug use and sexual activity as consensual.

However, Doe's lawsuit presents a different narrative, asserting she was too intoxicated to consent and became increasingly incapacitated. Cornell University conducted its own Title IX investigation, which the university states resulted in suspensions and expulsions for involved students. Cornell has refuted claims that students were able to mitigate their conduct by submitting essays.

Following public pressure, District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced on Monday that his office had reopened the criminal investigation into Doe's allegations, assigning a sex-crimes prosecutor to present the case to a grand jury. Van Houten cited the need to reconsider cases when additional evidence emerges. He noted that a screenshot of the Snapchat message chain included in Doe's lawsuit was not provided to his office during the initial review.

Doe's attorney, Thomas Giuffre, called the Snapchat messages a critical piece of evidence and questioned the thoroughness of the initial police investigation. Cornell University stated it supports the DA's decision to revisit the allegations and affirmed that consequential punishments were imposed, adding that the Chi Phi chapter has been barred from campus since 2024.

Doe has described the alleged attack as "devastating and humiliating," leading her to drop out of Cornell and struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Her attorney characterized her life as stalled due to the lingering effects of the assault.

The national Chi Phi office has stated the allegations are concerning and that anyone reporting sexual violence deserves compassion. While litigation is pending, the fraternity acknowledged taking the case seriously.

Attorneys for some of the accused have denied the allegations and welcomed the reinvestigation, expressing confidence in their clients' exoneration.