Cornell University has announced a suspension of all fraternity parties and social events through the end of the 2026-27 academic year, coupled with a new "zero tolerance" policy for violations, in response to mounting criticism over the university's handling of sexual assault allegations.
University President Michael Kotlikoff stated that these measures are intended to provide time for a comprehensive review of fraternity life at Cornell and to determine how it can continue safely. The university is also establishing a new role within its Office of Civil Rights to assist students who report sexual misconduct and will collaborate with the New York State Police for independent investigations of sex crime allegations on campus.
Currently, allegations are investigated by the Cornell University Police. The new approach will involve trauma-informed criminal investigators from the New York State Police, who operate independently of the university.
Under the new "zero tolerance" policy, any chapter found in violation of the rules will face immediate emergency suspension. The decision follows outrage over the university's response to allegations of a student being sexually assaulted at a fraternity house in 2024.