Hochul, Ithaca Mayor Condemn Cornell's Handling of Alleged Gang Rape

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has called for an investigation into Cornell University's handling of “horrifying” gang-rape allegations against seven fraternity members. The demand follows similar criticism from Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo, who is proposing to revoke city permits for the university's Greek life and other student activities.

"The allegations in the Cornell University sexual assault case are nothing short of horrifying," Hochul stated Tuesday. While supporting the district attorney's decision to re-open a criminal investigation into the case, Hochul also seeks an independent review of the university's institutional response.

"For any student to come forward after an experience like this takes extraordinary courage. No student should ever be left wondering whether the institutions meant to protect them will listen and act," Hochul said. "There are also serious questions about Cornell’s campus culture and its systems for prevention, reporting, and response."

Mayor Cantelmo described the university's response as "appalling" and "a miscarriage of justice." He announced a new policy directive and a resolution to impose an immediate moratorium on all student event and special event permits, including those for Greek life and other student group gatherings. This measure would require approval from the local city council.

The allegations surfaced in early November 2024 when a 20-year-old Cornell student reported to campus police that she had been drugged and gang-raped by multiple members of the school's Chi Phi fraternity the previous week. The Ithaca Police Department was not initially contacted.

The district attorney's office initially declined to press charges due to insufficient evidence. However, the office announced it was reopening its investigation after the student filed a lawsuit detailing the alleged assault. Prosecutors indicated they were unaware of the specific details of the attack at the time of the initial review.

The lawsuit claims that the accused students were permitted by the university to "mitigate their conduct by submitting essays to Cornell." A university spokesperson acknowledged internal disciplinary hearings and that some students faced suspension or expulsion but declined to provide specific numbers or details about the punishments.

"Despite the severity of these crimes, Cornell University administrators and police failed to contact or coordinate any response with the Ithaca Police Department," Cantelmo stated. He added that the university's handling of the situation was "appalling" and "a miscarriage of justice."

A university representative told The Cornell Sun, the student-run newspaper, that Cornell "shares the mayor’s interest in student well-being and safety" and "will work with him to address his concerns." Several city council members have indicated their support for the mayor's proposed moratorium.