Cornell Vandalized Amid Uproar Over Rape Allegations Handling

Cornell University's main administration building was defaced with graffiti and a glass door was broken overnight, as student groups planned a protest Monday concerning the university's handling of an alleged 2024 fraternity gang rape. The incident occurred amidst growing anger on campus and beyond over the university's response to the allegations.

Photos from the scene showed holes in one of the administration hall's glass doors, with the adjacent walls marked by red spray paint. Messages condemning patriarchy and the university's management of sexual assault cases were visible.

Cornell spokesperson Kyle Kimball stated that the university is investigating the vandalism, emphasizing that "damaging property is not the answer" to the "frustration and strong emotions" felt by members of the Cornell community. Campus police deferred questions to Kimball's office, which declined to provide further details.

Student organizations had scheduled a late-afternoon demonstration, titled "Justice for Survivors," to advocate for changes in the university's procedures for addressing sexual assault complaints. They also seek greater accountability related to an incident that allegedly occurred at the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024.

According to a lawsuit filed by the woman, identified as Jane Doe, she was sexually assaulted by multiple men at the fraternity house after being coerced into consuming alcohol and drugs. The lawsuit claims she was incapacitated at the time, and one man allegedly sent a message inviting others to participate in the assault.

Lawyers representing two of the accused former students have denied their clients' involvement in a sexual assault, stating that some of the accused described the sexual activity as consensual in interviews with Cornell investigators. Efforts by The Associated Press to contact the other individuals named in the suit or their representatives have been unsuccessful.

The lawsuit has drawn national attention to the actions taken by Cornell, its police department, and the local district attorney following the accuser's report of rape to campus police in November 2024.

No criminal charges have been filed to date. The Chi Phi chapter at Cornell has since been shut down, and the university has stated that some students were expelled while others received suspensions. In a statement released last week, the university administration pushed back against what it called a "false narrative that there were minimal consequences in this case."

Despite the university's statements, students are demanding increased accountability and transparency. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has asserted that Jane Doe was "failed by people and institutions," including Cornell police and District Attorney Matthew Van Houten. Hochul appointed the state attorney general to oversee a criminal investigation reopened by Van Houten and called for an independent review of Cornell's handling of the matter.

Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff released an apologetic video on Saturday, acknowledging that the accuser's account "raises heartbreaking and troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanization and aspects of party culture, alcohol and drug use." Kotlikoff reiterated his support for an independent review of the university's actions and pledged greater transparency and a commitment to "finding the answers our community deserves."