Cornell University Protestors Demand President's Resignation Over Alleged Fraternity Gang Rape
Over 1,000 demonstrators gathered on campus, expressing outrage over the university's handling of a sexual assault case and calling for systemic change.
More than 1,000 protesters converged on Cornell University's campus on Monday, demanding the resignation of the school's president and expressing solidarity with a woman who alleges she was gang-raped in a fraternity house. The demonstrators, including students, faculty, and local residents, carried signs with slogans such as "We are all Jane Doe," "Alcohol is not consent," and "Support survivors, listen to students."
The protest centers on allegations made by a woman, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, who claims she was plied with ketamine and alcohol in October 2024 before being coerced into a sexual assault by seven members of a fraternity, referred to as the "Cornell 7." According to her allegations, she was too inebriated to resist the prolonged assault.
Protesters directed their anger at Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff, calling for his resignation due to the university's response to Doe's allegations. The university's internal disciplinary process resulted in the expulsion of two of the accused brothers, but no criminal charges have been filed. Chants of "F–k Kotlikoff! Justice for Jane Doe. Kotlikoff has to go!" echoed across the campus.
Speakers at the rally also called for the revocation of diplomas for any accused brothers who have since graduated and for the expulsion of those still enrolled. Some demonstrators advocated for a complete overhaul of the campus judicial system concerning sexual assault allegations, demanding an external investigation of the administration and a return to an independent judicial process.
"Students demand an external investigation of Cornell’s administration and a return to an independent judicial system," read one statement shared by protesters. "We want a judicial system where faculty, administration and students have equal say in who decides the faith of our campus and its people."
Many attendees expressed admiration for Doe's courage in coming forward with her accusations, which were filed two years after the alleged assault. "You're incredibly brave for this, and change will come because of this," said 19-year-old sophomore Jack Huber. "All seven of those men should face criminal courts for their actions that night. Cornell is not interested in justice."
No criminal charges have been filed against any of the accused individuals. The initial investigation by campus police reportedly concluded without notification to the local district attorney's office. The district attorney announced he would reopen the investigation after Doe filed a lawsuit against the university and the accused men, stating he had been unaware of the full details of her allegations.
