Cornell Vandalized Amid Protests Over Handling of Gang Rape Allegations
Activists defaced a university building with graffiti and smashed a glass door in response to the alleged sexual assault case.
Cornell University's main administration building was vandalized overnight with red paint and a broken glass door, as protests escalate over the university's response to gang rape allegations stemming from a 2024 incident.
The building, Day Hall, was found with holes in a glass door and walls marked with messages condemning patriarchy and the university's handling of sexual assaults. Phrases such as 'At Cornell rapists are protected... protestors are expelled' and 'smash the patriarchy' were spray-painted on the exterior.
Cornell spokesperson Kyle Kimball stated that the university is investigating the vandalism, emphasizing that damaging property is not a solution to the community's concerns. "We understand the frustration and strong emotions being expressed across our community," Kimball said. "Those concerns deserve to be heard, but damaging property is not the answer. We are investigating the vandalism at Day Hall and will address it in accordance with University policy and applicable law."
Students planned a demonstration for Monday afternoon, titled 'Justice for Survivors,' to advocate for changes in how the university processes sexual assault complaints and to demand greater accountability for the incident that occurred at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024.
A lawsuit filed by a former student, identified as Jane Doe, alleges she was sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members after being incapacitated by alcohol and drugs. The lawsuit claims that one fraternity member sent a Snapchat message to a group chat of over 50 members saying 'Free p****,' inviting them to participate in the assault.
Court documents indicate that some accused students described the sexual activity as consensual, while lawyers for two former students denied allegations of sexual assault. The former student reported to campus police in November 2024 that she was confident she had been raped.
While no criminal charges have been filed, the Chi Phi chapter at Cornell has been shut down. The university has stated that some students involved have been expelled and others suspended. In a statement, the university pushed back against claims of minimal consequences.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has been critical of the handling of the case, stating that Jane Doe was "failed by people and institutions," including Cornell police and the local District Attorney Matthew Van Houten. Hochul appointed the state attorney general to take over a reopened criminal investigation and called for an independent review of the university's actions.
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff issued an apology video, acknowledging that the survivor's account raises "heartbreaking and troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanization and aspects of party culture, alcohol and drug use." He pledged transparency and support for an independent review of the university's response.
